Michigan custody bill could change how judges decide parenting time

A proposal moving through the Legislature is drawing attention and debate

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Legislation introduced in the Michigan House would change how courts determine child custody by requiring judges to consider equal parenting time between both parents when making decisions.

House Bill 5211, introduced Nov. 4, 2025, would amend Michigan’s Child Custody Act to add “equal time with both parents” as a factor in determin…