Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Evaluating Cases
Enforcing Parenting Time
Dispute Resolution
What the FOC Cannot Do
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
The Role of the Friend of the Court
Civil Contempt Proceedings

The friend of the court starts a civil contempt proceeding by asking the court for an order to show cause. That order requires a parent who is accused of violating an order to come to court and explain (show cause) why the court should not find that parent in contempt of court. A parent who fails to appear at the show cause hearing will be arrested.
  • If you claim that the other parent disobeyed the parenting time order, you must prove that to the court.
  • If the other parent claims that you disobeyed the order, you must prove either that you did not disobey the order or that you had a good reason for disobeying.
  • The court can impose sanctions against a parent who disobeys an order without a reason that is acceptable to the court. These sanctions include:
    1. Up to 45 days in jail for a first offense and 90 days for a second or subsequent offense.
    2. Court costs.
    3. A fine of up to $100.
    4. Suspension of driver’s, occupational, recreation, or sporting licenses.
    5. Participation in a community corrections program.
  • In addition, the court may order a parent who acted in bad faith regarding parenting time to pay the other parent's litigation costs and to pay to the court up to $250 for the first offense; up to $500 for the second offense; and up to $1,000 for the third and any subsequent offense.