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 determining the best interests of a child.
Under current law, courts evaluate a range of factors to decide custody arrangements. The proposed bill would modify those standards by explicitly including equal parenting time as part of that analysis, potentially shifting how custody decisions are made in family courts across the state.
Make sure you are signed up to my free newsletter so you get the stories the mainstream media isn’t covering. If you are a free subscriber consider becoming a paid one to help me continue my work.
The measure is part of a broader package of related bills that aim to promote joint custody and more balanced parenting arrangements.
Supporters say the legislation would encourage greater involvement from both parents and provide children with more consistent relationships with each parent. The package would also require courts to justify any decision that departs from equal or near-equal parenting time.
However, critics have raised concerns about how the changes could affect judicial discretion and increase the workload for courts. Some say the proposal could require more detailed written findings in custody cases, potentially adding complexity to proceedings.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the changes would mark a significant update to Michigan’s child custody framework, emphasizing shared parenting as a key factor in court decisions.
It is about time this was addressed. In fact, it's long overdo. I have a friend who paid child support on a son, he never got to see until the kid had been arrested at 16. Police did not charge him with anything and his dad told him that if he wanted to visit to call, it he wanted to meet his half sisters, to call, if he just wanted to talk to call. The son called when he wanted money for a car. HIs dad said, "I'll tell you what my dad told me when I was your age and asked for money for a car. Get a job, earn the money for the car and the insurance." He didn't hear from his son for two more years. His son called he wanted the same amount of money to buy a class ring. His dad asked, "Did you get a job?" The son replied no,. His dad said when you do call me back. But remember I have two other children to support, too. He has never called again. He wanted his Dad to support him financially.Dad was paying twice a month child support and had been since the boy was born. His mother told the boy his dad didn't want him, when in truth, she never showed up for visitation exchange, she forgot, the boy was sick, her car wasn't running. There were more excuses than I can count. He finally just quit arguing. No one was making her show up. She wasn't accountable to anyone. Truth is he would have married the boy's mother. She didn't want that, she wanted the child support.