Parenting Time - Are there restrictions on where a child may be taken during
parenting time?
Return to Citizen Questions Menu
Return to Calhoun County Courts Home Page
Question
My four year old daughter has recently been reunited with her father after
almost six months. Parenting time has been established and my daughters
father is now taking her every other weekend as ordered. How far
is he able to travel with my daughter without getting written consent through
the courts? My daughters grandmother lives in Ohio and her father
and I live in Michigan. My daughter said that her dad took her a
long way to see her grandma and I was not aware of the situation.
He does not allow me to talk or communicate with my daughter when he is
with her, nor does he inform me of where he is taking my daughter.
I fear for my daughter when she is with him regardless of his scheduled
parenting time, but I am even more fearful when he takes her out of the
state without my knowledge.
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again?
Or any way that my daughter's father needs to get written approval before
taking her out of the state? Do I have the right to file a motion to have
accurate parenting time and locations for my daughter so I know where she
is going to be when her father has her?
Answer
There is generally not a restriction on where a parent can take a child
when exercising parenting time, unless a specific order places such a restriction.
There is a legal restriction regarding changing the domicile and/or residence
of the child, but travel to see a grandparent as you have described is
not normally restricted. If you have legitimate concerns regarding
the safety of your child, you can file a motion with the court to restrict
parenting time and the court will consider your concerns. You can
file a motion using an attorney or with forms and instructions that are
available through the friend of the court office in your jurisdiction.
Return to Citizen Questions Menu
Return to Calhoun County Courts Home Page
Last Updated: 5-13-09
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to: pharter@calhouncountymi.gov