Michigan Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Michigan is decided in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Division. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Michigan documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Michigan custody resources

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Michigan family law forms (official index) (Michigan judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Michigan family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/scao/forms

Michigan court self-help resources (Michigan courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Michigan family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.michigan.gov/self-help

Michigan mediation and dispute resolution (Michigan judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Michigan family case without a trial. https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/offices/office-of-dispute-resolution

MiFILE (Tyler Technologies): MiFILE is Michigan's statewide e-filing system and family cases in circuit court are covered across the state. Attorneys must e-file; if you do not have a lawyer you may e-file, and a few courts now require it, so check your county's rules. https://mifile.courts.michigan.gov/

Michigan rules of procedure (Michigan judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Michigan. https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/court-rules

Verified official Michigan custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Order Regarding Custody and Parenting Time (FOC 89), form FOC 89 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/foc89.pdf

Motion Regarding Custody (FOC 87), form FOC 87 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/foc87.pdf

Motion Regarding Parenting Time (FOC 65), form FOC 65 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/foc65.pdf

UCCJEA Affidavit (MC 416), form MC 416 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/mc416.pdf

Official link data for Michigan was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Michigan?

Family cases in Michigan are heard in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Division. The Circuit Court's Family Division handles divorce, custody, and support. Michigan's 83 counties are organized into judicial circuits.

Does Michigan favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Michigan forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Michigan mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.