HB 5211–5213
Use these official legislative records to examine the details, sponsors, committee history and current status.
Reform agenda
Specific reforms. Stronger safeguards.
Our coalition is focused on practical improvements to the family court process: timely reviews, clear orders and transparent treatment of evidence—all while protecting children from genuine harm.
Our initial three priorities
Where we believe Michigan can improve.
These are advocacy proposals taken from our coalition planning presentation, not statements of current Michigan law.
POLICY PRIORITY 01
Prompt review of significant temporary parenting restrictions
When a court imposes substantial temporary restrictions on parenting time, the basis and plan for meaningful review should be clear. Interim restrictions can last far beyond their intended purpose when proceedings move slowly.
- Define an appropriate review period for substantial interim restrictions.
- Require a clear record of the reason for continued limits.
- Provide exceptions where documented emergency conditions warrant them.
- Preserve safety measures while reducing unnecessary disruption to children.
The central question: How does Michigan keep temporary decisions from turning into unexamined long-term outcomes?
POLICY PRIORITY 02
Clear standards for supervised or therapeutic parenting time
Supervised and therapeutic parenting can serve important safety and clinical purposes when justified. Orders and implementation should give families a practical, reviewable framework.
- Identify the specific rationale and permitted parent-child communication.
- Specify frequency, scheduling responsibility and cost allocation.
- State measurable progression criteria and professional reporting expectations.
- Provide a meaningful date or process for court review.
If supervision is needed, families should know why, what happens next and how safe progression is evaluated.
POLICY PRIORITY 03
Transparency from allegation to finding
Clear language and accurate records help courts protect children while preserving due process. We advocate consistent tracking of what was alleged, what interim actions occurred and what the evidence ultimately established.
- Distinguish an allegation from a substantiated finding.
- Record the immediate consequence, investigation and case status.
- Make continued restrictions understandable and reviewable.
- Avoid describing "unsubstantiated" as "proven false" or "disputed" as "disproved."
Credible reform depends on treating claims, records and outcomes as distinct.
Current legislative discussion
Follow the Michigan bills, then make your voice heard.
These linked bill packages concern Michigan child custody and parenting-time law. All are proposed legislation, not laws enacted by virtue of appearing on this website. Official bill pages are the source of truth for status and text.
SB 940–942
Review the companion proposals and any committee hearings, then request constructive engagement with your senator's office.
Legislation note: The September 2026 coalition presentation discussed legislative milestones through June 2026. This website does not assert a live vote tally or updated status. Always check the linked official record before contacting lawmakers.
Take action in Lansing
Your district. Your voice.
A focused constituent request can be more useful than a long account of an individual case. Ask for a brief meeting and a concrete next step.
STEP 01
Find your legislators
Use the Michigan government's official directories to identify your state representative and state senator.
STEP 02
Make one specific request
Ask for a 20–30 minute conversation, a committee hearing, a data request or support for meaningful temporary-order review. Avoid sharing private information about children.
Editable email template
Subject: Constituent request — Michigan family court process reform Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name], I live in your district and am reaching out as a supporter of the Michigan Coalition for Family Court Fairness, a child-centered, nonpartisan grassroots effort. We believe Michigan can better protect children and healthy parent-child relationships through timely reviews of major temporary parenting restrictions, clear standards for supervised parenting time, and transparent treatment of allegations and findings. Would you or a member of your staff be available for a 20–30 minute meeting to discuss these specific reforms and the related legislation? Thank you for your time and service. [Your name] [Your city or district]
Help turn these proposals into action.
We need volunteers who can research, speak with legislators and organize credible first-person accounts.