Parenting time is determined by analyzing the best interests of the child . There is a presumption that it is in the best interests of the child to have a strong relationship with both parents unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that parenting time would endanger the child. Parenting time can be agreed to between the parents so long as the court determines that the agreement is in the best interest of the child. The court considers the following factors when determining the duration, type, and frequency of parenting time:
(a) The existence of any special circumstances or needs of the child. (b) Whether the child is a nursing child less than 6 months of age, or less than 1 year of age if the child receives substantial nutrition through nursing. (c) The reasonable likelihood of abuse or neglect of the child during parenting time. (d) The reasonable likelihood of abuse of a parent resulting from the exercise of parenting time. (e) The inconvenience to, and burdensome impact or effect on, the child of traveling for purposes of parenting time. (f) Whether a parent can reasonably be expected to exercise parenting time in accordance with the court order. (g) Whether a parent has frequently failed to exercise reasonable parenting time. (h) The threatened or actual detention of the child with the intent to retain or conceal the child from the other parent or from a third person who has legal custody. A custodial parent’s temporary residence with the child in a domestic violence shelter shall not be construed as evidence of the custodial parent’s intent to retain or conceal the child from the other parent. (i) Any other relevant factors.
Pursuant to Michigan statute, a parent may request a specific parenting time terms at any time.