Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Court Orders
Hearings
Court Can Order Parenting Time
Judge's Decision
Setup and Change a Parenting Time Order
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
Parenting Time
If You Do Not Like the Judge’s Decision…

If you disagree with a judge’s decision, you must work within the court system to have it changed. Contacting other agencies or other branches of government, such as the governor or other elected officials, will not cause a judge to change a decision. Only that judge or the judges of a higher court can change the decision.

There are two ways to have the decision changed.

  1. You can file a motion asking the judge to reconsider the decision.
  2. You can appeal the decision to a higher court.
  • Each party has the same rights to try to change the decision using these procedures.
  • Both procedures are complicated. You may need a lawyer's assistance.

Remember that, even after a court decides your case, you and the other parent still have the right to work things out on your own.