[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/michigan-shared-parenting-bill-could-get-another-look\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/michigan-shared-parenting-bill-could-get-another-look\/","headline":"Michigan Shared Parenting Bill Could Get Another Look","name":"Michigan Shared Parenting Bill Could Get Another Look","description":"A bill to support shared custody arrangements following divorce stalled in the Michigan legislature last year, but could very well have new life in 2019. A last minute push wasn\u2019t enough to get the\u00a0Michigan Shared Parenting Act\u00a0across the goal line last year. The bill, sponsored by former state representative Jim Runestad (R), would generally require […]","datePublished":"2019-03-29","dateModified":"2025-09-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/#Person","name":"James Kraayeveld","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/","identifier":29,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cta-image-attorneys.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cta-image-attorneys.jpg","width":454,"height":599},"url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/michigan-shared-parenting-bill-could-get-another-look\/","about":["Custody"],"wordCount":650,"articleBody":"A bill to support shared custody arrangements following divorce stalled in the Michigan legislature last year, but could very well have new life in 2019.A last minute push wasn\u2019t enough to get the\u00a0Michigan Shared Parenting Act\u00a0across the goal line last year. The bill, sponsored by former state representative Jim Runestad (R), would generally require judges to award joint custody to parents after a divorce. Judges faced with custody decisions are currently obligated to weigh a number of factors designed to gauge the \u201cbest interests\u201d of the child involved.The legislation would make\u00a0joint custody\u00a0of the child the default situation. That means\u00a0divorcing\u00a0parents would \u201cshare decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the child\u2019s welfare and well-being, including the child\u2019s health care, education, and religion.\u201d The bill would also generally impose \u201csubstantially equal parenting time,\u201d meaning that the child would alternate time with each parent in a way that is balanced, according to the legislation.To support shared parenting arrangements, the legislation would ban one parent from moving more than 80 miles away. It would also require judges to take the child\u2019s wishes into account in cases involving children over the age of 16.The measure would additionally give judges the right to grant sole custody to one parent in certain circumstances. That includes situations in which there is credible evidence of domestic violence by the other parent.The bill\u2019s supporters have called the proposed move\u00a0long overdue. They cite studies showing that children benefit from having a substantial relationship with both parents.Runestad has since been elected to the state senate. He\u2019s yet to reintroduce the legislation in that chamber.Often there is a great benefit for children to spend equal or nearly equal time with both parents.\u00a0However, not every family is the same. There are many families where one parent has shown no interest in the child, has mental health problems preventing him or her to parent the child or simply doesn\u2019t have the living situation that would allow the parent to care for one or more children. To \u201crubber-stamp\u201d a joint custody arrangement for such parents would be unjust and harmful to the children.Similarly, with the proposed legislation, when one parent wishes to obtain sole custody of the child, such a parent has only one option available to accomplish that: pursue false abuse allegations.\u00a0Such false allegations hurt the co-parenting relationship, significantly increase the financial and emotional cost of the litigation, and will greatly hurt the minor children.Even so, there are many equally caring fathers and mothers who should not have to spend the time, energy, and financial resources to obtain something so basic as equal time with the children.Speak With a Grand Rapids Child Custody AttorneyChild custody disputes can be difficult, stressful situations that raise complicated legal questions about what\u2019s in the best interests of the child or children involved. Although divorcing spouses can make things easier on everyone involved by coming up with their own custody and parenting agreements, that\u2019s not always possible in every case.If you are a parent who\u2019s considering separating or getting a divorce, it\u2019s imperative that you seek the advice and counsel of an experienced family law attorney. A seasoned lawyer will help you understand your rights and options and help you ensure that your voice is heard in court and at the negotiating table.The\u00a0Grand Rapids child custody attorneys Kraayeveld Family Law been assisting clients throughout the area in divorce, child custody, and other family law matters for more than a quarter of a century. Our lawyers combine decades of experience in complex matters to help people efficiently untangle their marriages.We are conveniently located in Grand Rapids. Call 616-285-0808 or\u00a0contact us\u00a0online to make an appointment to speak with a Grand Rapids divorce lawyer about your situation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Michigan Shared Parenting Bill Could Get Another Look","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/michigan-shared-parenting-bill-could-get-another-look\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]