When Life Changes, So Can Custody:
What Counts as a “Change in Circumstances” in Michigan?
You’ve got a custody order. Things are settled. Until they’re not.
Someone moves. Schedules shift. A parent gets remarried. Or maybe your kid just isn’t doing well under the current arrangement.
Now you're wondering: Can we change this?
In Michigan, the short answer is yes—but not without a fight. The longer answer depends on something the court calls a “change of circumstances” or “proper cause.”
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Does “Change of Circumstances” Actually Mean?
It means something significant has happened in the child’s life, the parent’s life, or the family dynamic that makes the current custody order no longer work.
But here’s the catch:
It can’t just be any change.
It has to be a material one. Something that affects the child’s well-being in a meaningful way—not just a mild inconvenience or your personal frustration with the other parent.
Examples That Usually Do Qualify:
🟠 A parent relocates (especially out of state or over 100 miles)
🟠 A parent starts working nights or drastically changes their schedule
🟠 A child is struggling in school or therapy under the current plan
🟠 Domestic violence or substance abuse becomes an issue
🟠 One parent is no longer involved or regularly violating the agreement
🟠 The child gets older and their needs or preferences have changed significantly
Examples That Usually Don’t Cut It:
🔸 You’re just annoyed with the other parent
🔸 The child has a new extracurricular schedule
🔸 Your parenting style is “better”
🔸 Your ex has a new partner you don’t like
🔸 You moved five miles away and want a new pickup time
In short: the court isn’t interested in drama—it’s interested in the child’s best interests.
So What Is “Proper Cause”?
It’s a legal phrase that often gets lumped in with change of circumstances.
Proper cause can be something new that affects the child’s welfare—like a health diagnosis, school changes, or a new living environment that creates concern.
It doesn’t always require a huge event, but it must show a real reason to revisit the custody arrangement.
What Happens If You File for a Change?
Step 1: You have to prove the change first.
Before the court even looks at whether custody should be modified, you have to show that something has changed significantly.
Step 2: The court applies the “best interests of the child” factors.
If the court agrees there's been a real change, it will reevaluate custody based on 12 factors (like emotional ties, school performance, stability, etc.).
Step 3: The burden of proof matters.
If you’re asking to change who has primary custody, the bar is high. The court doesn’t want to yank a child out of a stable situation without strong justification.
What About Joint Custody?
Even if you share joint custody, changes can still justify modifying parenting time, decision-making authority, or holiday schedules.
Joint custody doesn’t mean everything stays fixed forever. It just means you both have a say—until a court says otherwise.
What If You Both Agree to Change It?
Great! If both parents agree, you can submit a stipulated order to the court. It still needs to be reviewed by a judge, but it’s a much smoother process.
You’ll still need to show that the change is in the child’s best interest, but mutual agreement makes things easier.
The Bottom Line
Custody orders aren’t carved in stone—but they also don’t change just because you’re annoyed or frustrated.
The court’s job is to protect your child’s stability. If you want to modify custody in Michigan, you’ll need to show that something significant has changed—and that the change you’re requesting is actually better for your child.
Thinking About a Change?
At Newburg Law, we help parents make sense of Michigan’s custody laws—without the courtroom circus.
🟠 Real talk, not legal fog.
🟠 Smart strategy.
🟠 Clear answers.
📲 Let’s talk about whether your situation qualifies for a change—and what comes next.