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Divorce prep · Michigan
Child custody and parenting plans in Michigan
Michigan's custody law lists the reasonable preference of the child, if the court finds the child old enough, as one factor in the child's best interests. Michigan law presumes it is in a child's best interests to have a strong relationship with both parents.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- Michigan's custody law lists the reasonable preference of the child, if the court finds the child old enough, as one factor in the child's best interests. Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.23. Checked November 2, 2026
- Michigan law presumes it is in a child's best interests to have a strong relationship with both parents. Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.27a. Checked November 2, 2026
- If Michigan parents agree on parenting time terms, the court orders them unless clear and convincing evidence shows they are not in the child's best interests. Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.27a. Checked November 2, 2026
- Under Michigan law, a child has a right to parenting time with a parent unless clear and convincing evidence shows it would endanger the child. Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.27a. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Bank, retirement and debt statements
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Household bills and expenses
- Home, car and property papers
- Agreements and court papers you have
- Messages sent to you
- Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
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More for Michigan
- How to get a copy of your divorce record in Michigan
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Michigan
- Divorce residency rules and where to file in Michigan
- Divorce document checklist: the full guide
- Child custody and parenting plans: all states
Neighbouring states
- Child custody and parenting plans in Ohio
- Child custody and parenting plans in Wisconsin
- Child custody and parenting plans in Massachusetts
- Child custody and parenting plans in Minnesota
Questions
Where do these Michigan facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.23; Michigan Compiled Laws § 722.27a. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Michigan or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for divorce prep?
A good start: Bank, retirement and debt statements; Pay stubs and tax returns; Household bills and expenses; Home, car and property papers; Agreements and court papers you have; Messages sent to you; Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.