Holiday Parenting Time Disputes in Michigan

Protecting Your Rights During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Parenting Time Disputes

Holiday parenting time conflicts spike every year in Michigan. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas break, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s, or school winter vacation, parents often face last-minute disagreements or outright violations of their court-ordered schedule.

If the other parent is denying your holiday parenting time, refusing to follow the order, refusing to exchange the child, or attempting to change plans at the last minute, you do not have to accept it. Triton Legal PLC is here to help—fast.

Why Holiday Parenting Time Is Different

Michigan courts take holiday parenting time very seriously. Most court orders state that holiday schedules override the normal weekly or weekend parenting-time rotation. Even if the other parent normally has that day, a valid holiday schedule controls.

During the holidays, problems often arise because one parent:

• Refuses to follow the holiday schedule

• Doesn’t return the child on time

• Claims the child “doesn’t want to go”

• Schedules trips or events without agreement

• Uses the holiday to punish or control the other parent

• Tries to make last-minute changes outside the order

• Blocks communication or refuses to exchange locations

When that happens, you may need immediate legal action to enforce your rights.

We Handle Holiday Parenting Time Emergencies

Triton Legal PLC provides rapid-response representation for families across Michigan during November, December, and January.

We assist with:

• Emergency holiday parenting time enforcement

• Filing motions to compel or enforce parenting time

• Show-cause motions for denial of parenting time

• Telephonic hearings and virtual court appearances

• Negotiating fast resolutions with the other parent or their attorney

• Drafting and sending demand letters the same day

• Modifying parenting time when repeated holiday disputes occur

If the other parent won’t comply, you can often get into court quickly—sometimes in days, depending on the county and urgency.

How Michigan Courts View Holiday Parenting Time Disputes

Judges and Friend of the Court (FOC) offices understand that holiday issues are urgent. Courts are willing to step in because:

• Holiday schedules are clear and specific

• Children benefit from stability and fairness

• Denying holiday parenting time is considered serious misconduct

• Repeated violations can lead to sanctions, make-up time, or custody review

Even if the court is closed for the holiday period, certain counties offer emergency motion procedures or next-business-day review.

What To Do If the Other Parent Denies Holiday Parenting Time

Before the situation escalates, take these steps:

1. Stay calm and document everything

Screenshots, texts, emails, and call logs are critical.

2. Follow the order exactly as written

Courts expect you to comply with your end of the schedule.

3. Meet at the exchange location even if they say they won’t show

This proves you attempted to follow the order.

4. Contact an attorney immediately

Holiday disputes move quickly—delays can cause you to lose the holiday entirely.

5. Don’t argue in person

Keep communication written and child-focused.

Triton Legal PLC can help determine whether you need a demand letter, a motion to enforce, or a show-cause hearing.

Common Holiday Parenting Time Questions

“My ex says the child doesn’t want to come—what do I do?”

In Michigan, minors cannot choose to ignore the order. The parent must facilitate the exchange.

“The other parent is taking the kids out of town without telling me.”

If your order requires notice or consent, this may be a violation. You can take immediate action.

“They won’t meet at the exchange—what now?”

Document that you arrived on time and contact an attorney to enforce the violation.

“Can the police help?”

Police generally won’t force an exchange but may create a report that is useful evidence.

Why Choose Triton Legal PLC for Holiday Disputes?

Fast Action, Even During the Holidays

We move quickly—same-day consultations and urgent filings when appropriate.

Clear Communication & Strategy

You’ll know exactly what your rights are and the fastest way to enforce them.

Experience With Michigan Courts & FOC Procedures

We understand how local judges and Friend of the Court offices handle holiday disputes.

Compassionate But Aggressive Representation

We protect your parenting time while minimizing unnecessary conflict for your children.

Serving All of Mid-Michigan

Triton Legal represents clients statewide, including:

Bay County • Saginaw • Midland • Arenac • Tuscola • Iosco • Isabella • Gladwin • Clare • and more.

Virtual appointments available anywhere in Michigan.

Take Back Your Holiday Parenting Time Today

If your holiday parenting time is being denied or interfered with, contact Triton Legal PLC immediately.

You deserve to spend the holidays with your children—and the law supports you.

📞 Call Now

💬 Request a Consultation Online

📍 Triton Legal PLC – Bay City, Michigan

Make this holiday season about your children—not conflict. Let us help you enforce your rights.