Bill
HB 4217
HB 4217 would let great-grandparents petition for great grandparenting time, expanding grandparenting rights and aligning related statutes with this new category.
HB 4217: Family law – great-grandparenting time
Overview
- Purpose: To expand Michigan’s parenting-time framework to include great grandparents, by defining “great grandparent” and authorizing great grandparenting time orders in the same way that grandparenting time is currently available under the Child Custody Act. The related bills (HB 4215 and HB 4216) would update cross-references in other statutes to reflect this addition.
- Introduced: March 10, 2025 by Rep. Brad Paquette; introduced version electronically reproduced March 12, 2025.
- Committee: Families and Veterans. Status as introduced: referred to committee; House first reading occurred March 12, 2025.
What the bill would do
- Definition expansion:
- Creates the term “great grandparent” as a natural or adoptive parent of a child’s grandparent.
- Defines “grandparent” and related terms for purposes of the act.
- Rights to seek parenting time:
- Allows great grandparents to petition courts for great grandparenting time, mirroring existing procedures that let grandparents seek grandparenting time under the Child Custody Act (MCL 722.22 et seq.).
- Cross-references to other statutes:
- HB 4215 would add a reference to great grandparenting time orders to the Revised Judicature Act provisions that currently address grandparenting time orders.
- HB 4216 would add a reference to great grandparenting time orders to Chapter X of the Probate Code (likewise addressing grandparenting time orders).
- All three bills would not take effect unless HB 4217 is enacted.
- Procedural and best-interest framework (section 7 provisions, as applicable):
- Courts may award reasonable parenting time to parties, including potential time by grandparents or great grandparents.
- The bill aligns with the current framework allowing modification of custody orders for proper cause or change in circumstances, with best-interest determinations.
- For custody changes affecting the custodial environment, clear and convincing evidence would be required, and active-duty status would not automatically prejudice a best-interest determination.
- Provisions related to guardians ad litem and related professionals remain available to assist in disputes.
Who would be affected
- Great grandparents would gain standing to petition for parenting time with a child, just as grandparents may under current law.
- Courts (local circuit courts), Friends of the Court, and related court personnel could experience increased caseloads as petitions from great grandparents are added.
- The broader family-law ecosystem (family-law practitioners, child welfare agencies, and guardians ad litem professionals) would adapt to the expanded class of potential petitioners.
Fiscal and timeline notes
- Fiscal impact: No state-level fiscal impact projected; potential increased costs for local circuit courts and Friends of the Court, with caseload and cost uncertainties dependent on how filings change.
- Timeline: If enacted, the cross-reference updates would take effect in tandem with HB 4217; HB 4215 and 4216 depend on HB 4217’s enactment.
Key takeaway
HB 4217 would formally authorize great grandparents to seek court-ordered great grandparenting time, expanding existing grandparenting-time rights and aligning related statutory references to include this new category.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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