Learn What Your Child's Rights Are to Parenting Time With Your Ex-Spouse

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - During a divorce, some women are so filled with anger that they do not want their husband in their life in an way, including parenting time with the children.  While discussing the terms of the divorce with their attorney they attempt to cut a deal where they will forego child support in exchange for the husband giving up his parental rights including all visitation.  What they do not realize is that the Michigan courts acknowledge that a child has a right to a relationship with both parents and it cannot be bargained away, provided that the parent has not harmed the child.

According to the Friend of the Court, "Michigan law realizes that it is in the best interest of the children that parenting time should occur in a frequency, duration and type reasonably calculated to promote a strong relationship between the children and the parents. (www.courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/publications/manuals/focb/pt_gdlns.pdf)

When parents cannot come to an agreement on a parenting time schedule that includes both mom and dad, the Friend of the Court will impose one.  However, when a divorcing couple can agree on parenting time, normally, the court will not interfere unless there are extrenuating circumstances.  Although you may be angry, keep in mind it is you divorcing your husband not the kids divorcing their dad.  You will need to agree to a fair parenting time schedule.

Unresolved issues between parents often cause children to feel that although they want a relationship with both of their parents they also want to avoid the negative emotions that result from their parent's dissolved relationship.  Avoid putting your children in the middle by trying to extert control of your spouse by using parenting time to express your anger or to try to get information about their dad.  Doing so will not hurt your soon to be ex, but will hurt your children.

Nothing herein constitutes a legal opinion.