Friend of the Court offices and circuit courts around the state have been inundated with questions surrounding custody and parenting time during the COVID-19 outbreak. Following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s initial order requiring residents to shelter in place (the current order is Mich Exec Order No 2020-91), the State Court Administrative Office put together frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing parenting time and child support issues during COVID-19. The FAQs were recently revised to add additional questions and answers.

Some common parenting time questions addressed in the FAQs include the following:

• What are some parenting time alternatives that can be used?
• What if the public place for parenting time exchanges is closed?
• What if the minor child is in the high-risk category for COVID-19 and the custodial parent is concerned about exposure during parenting time?
• Does parenting time continue if a parent or a child tests positive for or has been exposed to COVID-19?

Some common questions in the child support FAQs include the following:

• How does child support impact unemployment benefits?
• How can child support be changed in light of employment changes?
• Will the federal stimulus be affected by a child support order?

If your clients have custody or parenting time questions during the COVID-19 outbreak, check out the FAQs before contacting the court or the Friend of the Court for preliminary guidance.