Experienced Bloomfield Hills Parenting Plan Attorney That Puts Your Child’s Interests First
Last updated on May 15, 2026
If you are divorcing in Michigan and seeking the smoothest transition for your child to a parenting plan that works, you should contact lawyer Lisa Stern in Bloomfield Hills. Lisa has guided individuals and families to sound decisions in custody matters since 1995. She can help you successfully manage your time and resources, and contribute positively to your child’s development. Lisa will attend to every legal document and detail, to ensure a role for you and your former spouse in your child’s life.
Call 248-973-7842 or fill out the contact form to discuss a parenting time schedule that is appropriate for your family with personalized attention to your case.
Understanding Parenting Plans And Visitation In Michigan
A parenting plan is a court-ordered document that explains how separated or divorced parents will share responsibilities for raising their child. These plans address:
- Parenting schedules
- Transportation arrangements
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- Communication between parents and children
- Decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare and other major issues
The Michigan Friend of the Court (FOC) assists families with creating, reviewing, enforcing and modifying these agreements.
Michigan courts now use the term “parenting time” instead of “visitation” because the language better reflects the goal of keeping both parents actively involved in the child’s life. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they can carry different meanings in custody cases. Parenting time refers to the scheduled periods where a parent actively cares for and spends time with the child. In contrast, visitation typically implies a more limited role and is sometimes associated with restrictions or supervision.
Custody arrangements may exist as either:
- Legal custody: Involves the authority to make important decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, religion and welfare
- Physical custody: Refers to where the child primarily resides
Some parenting plans include supervised parenting time when concerns exist regarding safety, substance abuse, domestic violence or instability. Fortunately, courts may also approve graduated parenting plans, which slowly increase a parent’s parenting time over a period of months as trust, consistency or stability improves.
Lisa D. Stern Can Help You Develop A Parenting Time Schedule In Michigan
Components of an effective parenting time schedule include availability for:
- Holidays
- Vacations
- Long weekends
- Summer camp
- Overnights
As a lawyer, Lisa shares the state’s belief in “the best interests of the child.” She will use the information you give her, her own creativity and family law knowledge to recommend what’s best for your Michigan family, as you move to a life after divorce.
Common Parenting Time Schedules
Parenting plans can be customized depending on work schedules, school commitments, distance between households and the child’s age. Common schedules include:
- Alternating weekends
- Week-on/week-off arrangements
- Midweek overnight visits
- Holiday and summer rotations
- Virtual parenting time through video calls
- Long-distance parenting schedules for parents living in different cities or states
Courts generally focus on the child’s best interests when approving a parenting schedule.
Enforcing And Modifying Parenting Plans
When one parent violates a parenting plan, the Friend of the Court may assist with enforcement. Michigan courts may also enforce parenting orders through makeup parenting time, fines or other corrective actions.
Parenting plans can also be modified when significant life changes occur. A parent may request changes due to:
- Relocation
- Employment changes
- School concerns
- Safety issues
- Changes in the child’s needs
Working with a parenting plan attorney can help parents protect their parental rights throughout the process.
Quality Representation For Your Custody And Visitation Goals Since 1995
Contact Lisa D. Stern online or call 248-973-7842 to arrange a consultation. You can discuss every aspect of custody, visitation and parenting time with utmost candor and confidentiality.
Related Blog Posts
What is parenting time?
If you are a Michigan resident contemplating divorce, one of your biggest concerns undoubtedly is the amount of time your children will spend with each parent after your divorce. As the Oakland County Friend of the Court explains, this is called parenting time. Michigan law regarding parenting time is nonspecific in nature, and you and your spouse are encouraged to…
Creating a successful visitation schedule
When parents file for legal separation or divorce in Michigan, it is crucial that they work together in order to develop a parenting schedule that meets the specific needs of their children. Not only can a good visitation schedule help to ease the changes a child may experience when his or her parents separate, but it can support the developmental…
Responsibilities for creating a parenting plan for stepchildren
Parents of blended families in Michigan may come across a complicated issue when they divorce. They may wonder what their rights and responsibilities are when their soon-to-be ex-spouse has a child from another relationship with whom they have bonded. Are they legally responsible for caring for that child after the divorce? Legally, there is no law that says a stepparent…
Importance of gifting in a parenting plan
Giving gifts to your children is likely one of the highlights of special occasions, such as Christmas. For children who have divorced parents, these gifts might turn out to be headaches. Michigan parents who are divorced and have children might like to take some points about gifting to the children into consideration before another gift is purchased. Children of divorced…