What Is a Lombardo Hearing in Michigan?

Last modified: May 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

A Lombardo hearing in Michigan helps resolve school placement disputes between parents who share joint legal custody.
These hearings are commonly used when parents disagree about public vs. private school, school districts, or specialized programs.
Michigan judges decide Lombardo cases based on the child’s best interests, educational needs, stability, and parental involvement.
Either parent can request a Lombardo hearing by filing a motion with the family court.
The court may issue an education order covering school enrollment, transportation, and extracurricular participation.
Kraayeveld Family Law helps Michigan parents prepare for Lombardo hearings and protect their child’s educational future.

A Lombardo hearing in Michigan is a court proceeding used to resolve disagreements between parents with joint legal custody, typically about where their child should go to school. These hearings are often necessary when parents can’t agree on the child’s placement.

If you’re facing a school placement conflict, the attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law can guide you through the process and help protect your parental rights and your child’s future.

Contact us online today or call anytime at (616) 383-2679 to discuss your options for resolving an education dispute before the school year starts. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Visit us for a case evaluation!

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When Is a Lombardo Hearing Required?

A Lombardo hearing is required when parents cannot agree on their child’s educational decisions. These hearings are used in joint legal custody cases, where both parents share decision-making authority.

Common scenarios include:

One parent wants to change the child’s school district, while the other opposes the move.
Parents disagree about private versus public school enrollment.
Conflicts come up regarding specialized programs, such as Montessori or charter schools.
One parent enrolls the child without notifying the other, prompting a legal dispute.

Michigan family courts utilize Lombardo hearings when communication breaks down and parents can’t reach a mutual agreement. These hearings carry the same legal weight as a full custody trial.

Lombardo Hearing Quick Facts

When it’s used: When parents with joint legal custody cannot agree on major decisions for their child
Who requests it: Either parent who disagrees with the other parent’s preference
What the judge decides: Which parent’s preference is in the child’s best interests

How Michigan Courts Decide School Placement Disputes

Judges in Michigan consider multiple factors when deciding school placement disputes. The goal is to serve the child’s best interests, not favor one parent over the other.

For example, the court may take into account:

Whether the change would affect the current custody arrangement
The child’s academic performance and specific educational needs
Stability and continuity, including whether switching schools could disrupt the child’s routine
The child’s social and emotional well-being, including peer relationships
Each parent’s involvement and ability to support the child’s education
Proximity of the school to each parent’s home and transportation logistics
The parents’ history of communication and cooperation regarding educational decisions
The child’s preference, if they are old enough

If the school choice would result in a change of custody, then the judge will examine additional factors, as they would for a full custody trial.

Michigan judges often prefer solutions that minimize conflict while prioritizing the child’s development and educational success.

What to Expect During a Lombardo Hearing

While each case is unique, the Lombardo hearing process generally follows these stages:

Filing a motion: A parent requests a hearing by filing a motion with the family court, asking the judge to resolve the school dispute. The motion should include supporting evidence, such as enrollment forms or letters from educators.
Court notice and scheduling: The court notifies both parents of the hearing date. Parents may have the opportunity to submit written statements or additional documentation before the hearing.
Pre-hearing preparation: Next, you’ll gather school records and any relevant correspondence. Our firm can help you build a clear explanation of why your proposed school placement serves your child’s best interests. We’ll also help you consider possible compromises or alternative schools if the court is likely to weigh multiple options.
Hearing: At the hearing, both parents present their positions before the judge. You will also present supporting documents at this time. The court may ask questions about your child’s needs, your involvement in their care, and the potential impacts of the school choice.
Court decision: After reviewing the evidence, the judge issues a ruling. The order specifies the approved school placement and any conditions for enrollment or attendance. Compliance with the order is mandatory. Modifications require a subsequent court filing and decision.

An experienced family law attorney may present your case more clearly and forcefully than you likely could on your own. Our firm can help you anticipate any issues and develop a strategy to proactively address them. The better prepared we are, the more effectively we can seek a fair outcome that meets your child’s best interests.

What Is an Education Order in Michigan Custody Cases?

After a Lombardo hearing, the family court may issue a legal directive that sets specific rules regarding a child’s schooling.

The court order can cover:

School choice, including whether the child should attend district, private, or charter schools
Enrollment deadlines and registration responsibilities
Transportation arrangements
Participation in extracurricular or specialized programs

These orders provide clear and enforceable guidance for parents, which reduces further conflict. Failing to comply with the order can have serious legal consequences, including contempt of court.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help with a Lombardo Hearing

Working with a family law attorney from Kraayeveld Family Law makes the process more manageable.

We can:

Clarify legal requirements for filing a motion or responding to one
Research school choices, including standardized test scores, teacher-parent ratios, resources, access to extracurricular activities, and social aspects
Advise on evidence that supports your position, such as academic records or expert testimony
Draft persuasive arguments to present to the court, framed around the child’s best interests
Communicate with the other parent or their attorney to clarify issues before or during the hearing
Represent you during the hearing, ensuring procedural rules are followed

Lombardo hearings can be stressful, and legal representation can help prevent delays or mistakes that could weaken your case. Our lawyers can also help interpret the resulting order and provide guidance if future adjustments are necessary.

Kraayeveld Family Law has 30 years of combined courtroom experience, paired with a strong commitment to helping parents navigate family law matters. Our clients appreciate our practical, compassionate approach. We’re here to help remove stress while protecting your child’s future.

Speak with a Michigan Child Custody Attorney

Fighting for what’s best for your child’s education doesn’t seem as daunting when you have guidance you can trust. School placement disputes can’t wait, especially when a new school year approaches.

If you’re dealing with a disagreement about your child’s education, contact Kraayeveld Family Law. Thanks to more than 30 years of serving Michigan families, our attorneys know how to efficiently handle Lombardo hearings and present a strong case for an education plan that is in your child’s best interest.

One former client wrote:

“Can’t say enough good about this firm, and Jordan Swears specifically. They give great advice based on your realistic chances of achieving what you’re going for, and warn you when it would likely be just wasted money. I greatly appreciate their values, especially being focused on the best outcome for my kids in my custody situation. If you’re looking for an honest, ethical, experienced, and profession law firm in family law, look no further!” – Asher

Reach out to our firm today to take the next step in resolving your joint legal custody and school enrollment concerns.