Michigan parenting time and the child’s birthday
Parenting time in Michigan time governs the times and frequency parents spend with their children. In a perfect world, parents get along and a parenting time order could read something like: “The parents are awarded liberal and frequent parenting time”. Since we do not live in a perfect world, one issue that arises in drafting a specific parenting time schedule is how should parents share a child’s birthday?
For example, an Indiana court drafted a complicated scheme to address the child’s birthday issue:
“[1] Child’s birthday. In even numbered years the non-custodial parent shall have all of the children on each child’s birthday from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. However, if the birthday falls on a school day, then from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
[2] In odd numbered years the non-custodial parent shall have all of the children on each child’s birthday on the day before the child’s birthday from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M., however, if such day falls on a school day, then from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
[3] When the child’s birthday falls within a Special Day, Holiday, or Christmas vacation, the child’s birthday shall be celebrated with the parent having the child during that time period.”
Parenting Time during a child’s birthday is generally awarded one of three and hopefully less complicated ways in Michigan divorce and custody cases:
- Both parents can celebrate the child’s birthday together;
- Each parent can celebrate the child’s birthday on a different day; or
- Both parents can celebrate the child’s birthday at different times on the same day;
For parents who have an amicable relationship celebrating a child’s birthday together can foster and nurture the family unit. Other parents prefer spending quality time alone during a child’s birthday on either different times or different days.
Most important of all is that your child understand that he/she is loved on his/her birthday.
With proper planning and a specific parenting time schedule in Michigan divorce and Michigan custody cases, conflicts during a child’s birthday can be avoided allowing parents and child an opportunity to have one less thing to worry about.
We provide more information on Michigan divorce law than anyone.
Change is rarely easy, sometimes complicated and often emotional. Let a Michigan divorce attorney experienced in family law help you. We utilize a team approach to focus on solutions by applying Michigan law properly. We specialize in helping you focus on your goals, protect your property interests, manage your custody and support interest, and keep you happy in life’s most difficult circumstances.
About Findling Law
I have been exclusively practicing divorce and family law in Michigan for over two decades. The attorneys at Findling Law all share the core value of practicing law to help people navigate change in their lives, without compromising principles. We specialize in high socio-economic, high-profile and high-conflict cases, while also working with clients of all backgrounds. We recognize that the most important aspect of the practice of law is the application of the law to your specific circumstances.
That is why we provide more free information on divorce and family law than any other Michigan law firm. We want to help you manage your situation. Allow our exceptional legal team to help you navigate the change in your life, without compromising principles.
We want to help you manage your situation. Let our exceptional legal team help you . . .
Local: +1 (248) 399-3300 – toll free: (877-YOUR FIRM)
After hours emergency?: +1 (707) 968-7347
Or email me at: Daniel@Findlinglaw.com
By: Daniel Findling