Holiday Parenting Time in Michigan: How Courts Handle Disputes in Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry & Van Buren Counties
The holidays can be overwhelming for separated parents, especially when coordinating holiday parenting time in Michigan. As a family law attorney serving Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry, and Van Buren Counties, I see an increase in parenting time disputes every November and December. Parents want predictability. Kids need stability. And everyone is hoping to enjoy their holiday traditions without conflict.
Whether you already have a detailed parenting time order or this is your first holiday season after separation, understanding how Michigan courts handle holiday parenting time disputes can help you plan ahead and protect your child’s best interests.
At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we help families throughout West Michigan prepare for the holiday season with clear legal guidance and proactive planning. If you need support, you can learn more on our Family Law page or our custody-and-parenting-time section.
Holiday Parenting Time in Michigan: What the Law Says
Michigan courts generally treat holiday parenting time as a top priority, even above the normal weekly parenting time schedule. Most counties in West Michigan, including Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry, and Van Buren, follow a standard holiday rotation to ensure children enjoy meaningful holiday time with both parents.
For example, common Michigan holiday arrangements include:
- Alternating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Alternating Thanksgiving
- Splitting winter break evenly
- Alternating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Alternating Spring Break
- Specific times for Christmas morning or evening
However, even if your court order doesn’t spell out every detail, judges in West Michigan often reference the Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines, which emphasize consistent scheduling, stability, and fairness.
You can review those guidelines here:
➡ Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines
How Courts in Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry & Van Buren Counties Handle Holiday Disputes
While all counties follow Michigan law, each county has its own procedures, timelines, and Friend of the Court (FOC) processes. Understanding these local differences can help you navigate disputes more effectively.
Allegan County
To begin with, Allegan County encourages parents to resolve minor disagreements directly when possible. When disputes arise, the Friend of the Court typically requires:
- A written parenting time complaint
- An attempt at mediation or informal resolution
- A formal hearing if the parents cannot agree
Allegan County’s holiday docket fills quickly, so filing early is essential.
Kent County
Next, Kent County has its own detailed holiday rotation that alternates based on even and odd years. The Friend of the Court often resolves holiday disputes through:
- Conciliation meetings
- Informal conferences
- Emergency hearings only when necessary
Kent prioritizes urgent issues, such as denied parenting time or safety concerns, but encourages parents to communicate early to avoid last-minute filings.
Ottawa County
Furthermore, Ottawa County follows a structured holiday schedule and enforces it consistently. The court is unlikely to modify holiday parenting time at the last minute unless:
- The child’s safety is at risk
- A parent refuses to follow the order
- There is a substantial and urgent change in circumstances
Ottawa’s Friend of the Court often sends out holiday reminders to help parents stay on schedule.
Barry County
In addition, Barry County focuses heavily on clear communication and encourages parents to follow the written order as closely as possible. The Friend of the Court may resolve disputes through:
- Written complaints
- Informal meetings
- Mediation when appropriate
Barry’s courts are efficient but can become backed up during November and December. Parents should submit concerns well before the holiday approaches.
Van Buren County
Finally, Van Buren County uses a structured holiday parenting time schedule similar to other West Michigan counties. Judges expect parents to follow the existing order unless they mutually agree in writing to make adjustments. The Friend of the Court may step in when:
- A parent denies holiday parenting time
- Out-of-state travel becomes an issue
- A parent fails to communicate required details
Van Buren County places strong emphasis on honoring the child’s traditional holiday customs, especially when those traditions have deep family roots.
Common Holiday Parenting Time Disputes in Michigan
Overall, Every family has unique dynamics, but several issues come up repeatedly across West Michigan:
1. Disagreements About Travel Plans
Winter break often involves travel. Michigan law may require written consent, or even a court order, before out-of-state or international travel.
2. Denial of Holiday Parenting Time
When a parent refuses to return a child or blocks scheduled holiday time, courts act quickly.
3. Christmas Morning Conflicts
Parents often want Christmas morning, and confusion can arise unless the order clearly states who has the child on which year.
4. Last-Minute Schedule Changes
Courts discourage last-minute modifications unless both parents agree.
5. Blended Family Scheduling Issues
New partners, stepsiblings, and multiple households can create additional logistical challenges.
How Michigan Courts Make Decisions About Holiday Parenting Time
When disputes reach the court, judges focus on the child’s best interests, taking into account:
- The child’s age and emotional needs
- The family’s traditional holiday schedule
- Each parent’s willingness to follow court orders
- The distance between homes
- Practical factors like transportation, school, and winter weather
Importantly:
Holiday parenting time almost always overrides regular weekly parenting time.
This helps create consistency and ensures the holiday rotation is honored each year.
Tips for Reducing Holiday Conflict
Holiday disputes can be stressful, however many can be prevented with proactive planning. Consider the following:
1. Start Communicating Early
Courts expect parents to plan holiday arrangements long before the season begins.
2. Use Written Communication
Emails, texts, or parenting apps help avoid “he said, she said” arguments.
3. Follow the Court Order Closely
Judges in Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry, and Van Buren Counties expect respectful compliance.
4. Be Reasonably Flexible
A little flexibility, especially around extended family gatherings, can help reduce conflict.
5. Plan for Weather and Delays
Winter travel in West Michigan is unpredictable. Build in extra time.
6. Keep the Focus on Your Child
Holiday parenting time is about giving your child joyful memories, not winning a dispute.
When to Contact a Lawyer About Holiday Parenting Time
You should contact a family law attorney immediately if:
✔ The other parent refuses to follow the schedule
✔ You need an emergency motion
✔ Out-of-state travel is being planned without your consent
✔ Your order is unclear or needs modification
✔ Your child’s safety is a concern
✔ You cannot resolve a conflict through the Friend of the Court
Holiday cases move quickly, and courts have limited availability. Acting promptly ensures your rights are protected.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Holiday Parenting Time in West Michigan
Navigating holiday parenting time can feel overwhelming, especially when communication breaks down or schedules clash. However, with early planning, clear communication, and an understanding of how courts in Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Barry, and Van Buren Counties handle disputes, you can protect your parenting time and create a stable, joyful holiday experience for your child.
If you need help enforcing a holiday schedule, filing a motion, or clarifying your parenting time order, Legacy Legal & Business Services is here to support you throughout West Michigan. Call (616) 681-0100 or visit our website to schedule a free confidential consultation.