Navigating Family Holidays: How No-Contact Orders Impact Visits with Kids

Understanding No-Contact Orders Under Michigan Law

A no-contact order—sometimes called a "no-contact condition"—is typically issued as part of a criminal case. The order prohibits one person, usually a defendant, from communicating or interacting with another person, known as the protected party. These orders are most common in domestic violence, assault, or harassment cases.

Under Michigan law, the judge has broad authority to impose no-contact restrictions as a condition of bond, probation, or sentencing. Violation of that order can lead to arrest, new criminal charges, or revocation of bond or probation. Even if the protected person tries to reach out or gives consent, it does not make contact legal. The obligation to follow the order rests entirely on the defendant.

Types of No-Contact Orders

• Pretrial No-Contact Orders: These are usually given at arraignment as part of bond conditions in a criminal case. They remain in effect until the case is resolved or the court modifies them.
• Probationary No-Contact Orders: If someone is convicted and placed on probation, the court may continue the no-contact condition for the duration of probation.
• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs): Separate from criminal court, PPOs are issued in civil court and prohibit similar conduct, but they are sought directly by the protected person.

Each order has different origins and procedures, but all share one key characteristic—contact means legal risk. This risk extends to visits, phone calls, texts, social media messages, and even being in the same place during a family holiday gathering.

When Family and Holidays Collide

For families with children, the holidays can become especially challenging when a no-contact order exists between co-parents. A father may be the subject of a no-contact order following a domestic dispute. The order might prevent him from speaking to the child’s mother, even if both parents want to coordinate visitation for the holidays.

This kind of restriction can cause confusion because people often assume that a family court order for parenting time overrides a criminal no-contact order—but that is incorrect. In Michigan, the criminal court’s order controls unless it is specifically modified. That means a parent could technically have parenting time rights under a family court order, but still be prohibited from contact with the other parent—or even from being in the same house where the children live—under a criminal order.

Understanding how to reconcile these two kinds of orders requires a careful review of both documents and, often, legal intervention to modify one or both orders.

How No-Contact Orders Affect Parenting Time in Michigan

Michigan law prioritizes the best interests of the child when it comes to custody and parenting time. Courts generally assume that maintaining a relationship with both parents is in the child’s best interest. However, when a no-contact order is in place, the ability of one parent to exercise those rights might be temporarily blocked.

The Interplay Between Criminal and Family Courts

Family law and criminal law often intersect, which can leave parents unsure about which judge has authority. The reality is that criminal courts and family courts operate independently. A family court judge cannot simply “ignore” a criminal court’s no-contact condition. The proper legal path is to ask the criminal court to modify the conditions of bond or probation so that parenting time may proceed in a structured and safe way.

Options for Modifying Orders

In Michigan, either the defendant’s attorney or the prosecutor can ask the criminal court to consider a modification to allow limited or supervised contact for parenting purposes. The judge might allow:

• Third-party communication: Allowing messages only through attorneys, mediators, or another neutral person.
• Parenting-time exchanges: Through a safe location such as a police station or an exchange center.
• Supervised visitation: Contact with the children under the supervision of a court-approved monitor.

These modifications are not automatic and must be specifically requested. In many cases, the court will require evidence that the change is in the best interest of the children and does not present a risk to the protected party.

Special Considerations for Holiday Parenting Time

Holiday schedules can add tension to already strained parenting relationships. A no-contact order complicates this even more because even simple holiday arrangements require communication between parents. In Michigan, parenting time schedules are often detailed in court orders, specifying who will have the children for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other significant holidays.

Safe and Legal Communication

If a no-contact order prohibits direct communication, exchanging details about pickup or drop-off through a third party can help. Using an attorney, a parenting app approved by the court, or a neutral family member as a messenger is often the safest approach. However, any third-party method must strictly comply with the terms of the order. Even sending a holiday text saying, “Merry Christmas” can result in a probation violation or jail time if the order bans all contact.

Rebuilding Trust Through Compliance

The best way for a parent to regain flexibility is through strict compliance. Michigan judges view defendants who follow court orders carefully as responsible and trustworthy. Over time, that behavior can support a request to modify or terminate the no-contact condition, particularly once a counseling program or other requirements are completed.

Personal Protection Orders and Family Time

Sometimes, the no-contact barrier comes from a Personal Protection Order (PPO) rather than a criminal case. PPOs are civil orders requested by one person—often an ex-spouse or intimate partner—to prevent harassment, stalking, or threats. Under Michigan Compiled Laws §600.2950, a PPO can forbid any form of contact, entry onto property, or even actions like sending gifts or messages.

Violating a PPO carries serious penalties. It's enforceable statewide, and police can arrest someone immediately for violation. A parent under a PPO cannot simply rely on a family visitation order to bypass those restrictions. They must file a motion to modify or terminate the PPO if they want to have lawful contact for parenting time.

Modifying a PPO

To modify a PPO, the restricted party must show a change in circumstances or that the order creates grounds for unfair interference with parenting rights. The family court judge can then balance the safety concerns of the protected person with the best interests of the child. Having an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney who also understands family law can make a big difference in how that request is presented to the court.

How to Protect Yourself Legally During the Holidays

Even minor mistakes can have major consequences when there’s a no-contact order in place. Here are some important guidelines if you find yourself navigating family holiday plans under Michigan law:

• Read the order carefully: Every condition matters. Never assume certain exceptions exist.
• Communicate through your attorney: Have all child-related communication go through legal counsel if needed.
• Use neutral exchange locations: If order modifications allow visitation, stick to the designated place and time.
• Do not respond to provocation: Even if the protected person initiates contact, it’s your responsibility to avoid violating the order.
• Seek modification early: If you want to spend time with your children for the holidays, begin the process well before the season starts. Courts get busy, and last-minute requests are rarely successful.

Filing to Modify a No-Contact Order in Michigan

The process depends on where the order originated. If it’s part of a criminal case, the request must go through the same criminal court where the order was issued. If it’s a PPO, it is filed in the county family division where the original PPO was entered. In either case, the motion must set out specific reasons for modification based on safety, parental involvement, and the best interests of the child.

What Judges Consider

• Completion of anger management, therapy, or counseling programs.
• Absence of new criminal behavior.
• Demonstrated understanding of the order’s purpose and compliance with past restrictions.
• Evidence that contact would be safe and beneficial to the children.

If the judge grants the motion, they may set conditions such as continued supervision, no overnight stays, or communication only through parenting coordinators. These safeguards help ensure the children’s well-being while gradually restoring family interaction.

Getting Legal Help in Michigan

No-contact orders can feel overwhelming—especially when family holidays are involved and you want to be there for your kids. These cases often require quick action, careful legal reasoning, and familiarity with court procedures. A local defense lawyer with experience in both criminal and family courts can evaluate your situation and determine the best approach to safely reestablish contact.

If you are currently under a no-contact order and need help understanding your options, contact Aaron J. Boria, PLLC, today. Attorney Aaron J. Boria has successfully represented parents in Michigan courts facing complex no-contact order and parenting time issues. Call (734) 453-7806 to schedule a free consultation and learn how Michigan law applies to your specific case.

Key Takeaways

• No-contact orders in Michigan override family visitation orders until formally modified.
• Parents must petition the criminal court (for bond or probation orders) or family court (for PPOs) to allow parenting time.
• Violating these orders can result in arrest, jail, or loss of parenting rights.
• The safest path forward is strict compliance and working through your attorney to request lawful modifications.
• With preparation and legal support, it is possible to rebuild connection and maintain safe, meaningful relationships with your children while respecting court restrictions.

Conclusion

Family holidays hold emotional weight, and when legal barriers like no-contact orders are part of the equation, the season can feel anything but joyful. Still, options exist. Michigan courts recognize the value of maintaining parent-child relationships whenever it can be done safely. Whether through supervised visits, modified conditions, or carefully structured parenting schedules, the law aims to balance safety with compassion.

If you or someone you know is navigating these challenges, act early. The sooner you involve an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances of achieving a workable and legal solution for the holidays and beyond. Contact Aaron J. Boria, PLLC at (734) 453-7806 to discuss your case and get the guidance you need.