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Parenting Time
How Parenting Time is Decided
Decisions about parenting time made by the court are based on the best interest of the children. In order to determine what is in the best interest of the children, the court uses the parenting time factors. The factors require the court to consider and make decisions about different parts of the parents and the children’s lives and their relationship to each other. When a parent asks for a change of parenting time the court must also consider the children’s established custodial environment and whether there has been a change of circumstances.
Kent County Parenting Time Guidelines
Kent County Parenting Time Guidelines are available to use as a guide when making decisions about parenting time. The Guidelines work as a menu of options to assist parents.
Changing Parenting Time
If one parent wishes to change parenting time, that parent can ask the court for a new order by filing a Motion. The Motion would be filed in the case where the original parenting time Order was made. When a parent asks for a change of parenting time the court must also consider the children’s “established custodial environment” and whether there has been a “change of circumstances.”
Forms & Case Packets
Download FREE “Getting Started Checklists” for:
Other forms and case packets:
- Download the Kent County Parenting Time Guidelines
- Case Packets (forms & instructions) for Custody, Paternity, Divorce with Children and Divorce without Children are available at the Legal Assistance Center for $20. Cash only.
- Additional free and low cost forms, including free Motion forms, are available at the Legal Assistance Center.
Additional Resources
- Michigan Legal Help offers articles and forms creation at no cost.
- The Grand Rapids Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service offers a 30 minute conference with a lawyer for $25. Call (616) 855-0273 for an appointment.
- Visit or call the Legal Assistance Center.