What will happen if I have an order for custody and the other parent does not return the child to me as stated in the Court order?

There are several options:

  • Contact the Friend of the Court and request enforcement of the order
  • Contact an attorney
  • A parent who retains a child for more than 24 hours with the intent to detain or conceal the child in violation of a lawful court order may be guilty of the crime of Custodial Interference under MCL 750.350a.  A parent seeking to pursue criminal charges for this should contact their local police agency.


Washtenaw local police agencies are listed below:

  • Ann Arbor Police Department – 734-994-2911
  • Chelsea Police Department – 734-475-1771
  • Eastern Michigan Department of Public Safety – 734-487-1222
  • Michigan State Police Brighton Post – 810-227-1051
  • Milan Police Department – 734-439-1551
  • Northfield Township Police Department – 734-449-8900
  • Pittsfield Township Police Department – 734-822-4911
  • Saline Police Department – 734-429-7911
  • University of Michigan Department of Public Safety – 734-763-1131
  • Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office – 734-994-2911
  • Ypsilanti Police Department – 734-483-9510


For more information, contact us at 734-222-3050.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get an order for custody?
2. How do I change an existing order for custody?
3. Do I need to have an attorney to get custody?
4. Is there any way the Court can assist us in reaching an agreement on custody?
5. Are there different kinds of custody?
6. After a petition for custody has been filed, and we cannot reach our own agreement, what does the Friend of the Court have to do?
7. Do I have the right to receive a copy of the Friend of the Court report and recommendation on custody?
8. What will happen if I have an order for custody and the other parent does not return the child to me as stated in the Court order?
9. Does the Friend of the Court have a responsibility to investigate alleged abuse and/or neglect of a child?