What Happens If You Ignore a Michigan Family Court Order?
Many people don’t intentionally decide to ignore a family court order.
It usually starts with thoughts like:
“This order doesn’t make sense anymore.”
“We agreed to do something different.”
“It’s temporary, so it’s not a big deal.”
In Michigan family court, those assumptions can create serious problems.
Ignoring a court order—whether intentionally or not—often has consequences that grow over time. Understanding what courts actually do (and don’t do) can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to undo later.
This applies to custody, parenting time, child support, and divorce orders throughout Bay County, Midland County, Saginaw County, and all of Mid-Michigan.
Court Orders Are Enforceable Until They’re Changed
One of the most important rules in Michigan family law is simple:
A court order must be followed until a judge changes it.
That’s true even if:
The order feels unfair
Circumstances have changed
Both parties verbally agreed to something different
You plan to “fix it later”
Judges expect compliance first—and modification second.
Common Ways People “Ignore” Orders Without Realizing It
Many violations aren’t dramatic. They’re gradual and informal.
Examples include:
Repeatedly changing parenting time schedules without court approval
Withholding parenting time because of frustration or conflict
Paying less child support than ordered
Letting temporary orders slide because the case feels stalled
Following a verbal agreement instead of the written order
These situations often feel reasonable in the moment—but courts view them differently once a motion is filed.
What the Court Can Do If an Order Is Ignored
Michigan courts usually escalate enforcement gradually, not immediately.
Possible consequences include:
1. Court Hearings and Orders to Explain
The court may require you to appear and explain why the order wasn’t followed.
2. Makeup Parenting Time or Financial Corrections
Judges often try to restore what was missed before imposing penalties.
3. Contempt of Court
If violations are willful or repeated, the court can find a party in contempt. This can involve:
Fines
Attorney fees
Additional court conditions
In extreme cases, jail time
Contempt is less about punishment and more about forcing compliance—but it becomes part of the court record.
4. Loss of Credibility
This is often the biggest consequence.
Judges remember who follows orders and who doesn’t. That credibility affects future decisions about custody, parenting time, and enforcement.
Why “Temporary” Orders Matter More Than People Think
Temporary orders are often treated casually—but Michigan judges don’t see them that way.
Temporary orders:
Set expectations
Establish patterns
Shape the status quo
Ignoring them can make it harder to argue later that you should be trusted with flexibility or expanded parenting time.
What Courts Expect You to Do Instead
If an order isn’t working, Michigan courts expect you to:
Follow the order as written
Document problems calmly and consistently
Communicate appropriately (assuming a judge may read it)
File a motion to modify or clarify the order
Using the legal process—rather than self-help—signals responsibility and respect for the court.
When Ignoring an Order Can Seriously Backfire
Ignoring an order is especially risky when:
Parenting time is involved
Children are placed in the middle of disputes
Safety concerns are raised but not documented properly
One parent appears to be “taking control” outside the court process
In these situations, the focus often shifts away from the original problem and onto the violation itself.
How Michigan Judges Typically View These Situations
In Bay County, Midland County, Saginaw County, and courts throughout all of Mid-Michigan, judges consistently focus on:
Patterns of compliance
Use of proper court procedures
Whether parties escalated or stabilized conflict
Willingness to follow orders even when unhappy
Judges are far more likely to help parties who respect the process—even when the order needs to change.
Bottom Line
Ignoring a Michigan family court order rarely makes things better.
It usually:
Weakens your position
Creates enforcement issues
Damages credibility
Limits future options
If an order doesn’t work anymore, the solution isn’t ignoring it—it’s changing it the right way.
Talk to Triton Legal
If you’re dealing with an order that feels unworkable—or worried about potential violations—getting legal guidance early can prevent long-term problems.
Triton Legal PLC
Serving Bay County, Midland County, Saginaw County, and all of Mid-Michigan
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