Friend of the Court

Introduction to FOC

The Friend of the Court is part of the circuit court and is supervised by the Chief Judge. The Friend of the Court makes recommendations regarding divorce, paternity, custody, and support matters and helps the court administer those types of cases, while protecting the rights and interests of children. It is tasked with helping resolve domestic relations disputes and establishing, enforcing, and modifying court orders for: 

  • Change of domicile
  • Child care expenses
  • Child support
  • Custody
  • Parenting time
  • Spousal support
  • Uninsured medical costs

Actions

Actions filed with Friend of the Court include: 

  • Custody
  • Divorce with minor children
  • Parenting time modification and enforcement
  • Paternity establishment
  • Support modification and enforcement

The Friend of the Court does not give legal advice.


General Child Support, Medical Enforcement & Parenting Time Questions                        

  • You can contact MiChildSupport either by phone at 1-877-543-2660 or by going to their website.

Alternative Ways to Resolve Parenting Time Matters: MI-Resolve

The MI-Resolve Family System is an alternative way for parties to address parenting time issues without having to attend court proceedings. Instead, Parents can utilize this FREE service, offered through Mediation and Restorative Services.  

This service is recommended for parents who need assistance creating or modifying existing parenting time plans; weekend, holiday, and mid-week parenting time arrangements; as well as drop-off and pick-up times/locations, school vacation periods, daycare selection/schedules, and children’s extracurricular activities.

Mediation and Restorative Services staff are not court employees and MI-Resolve is meant to be a way for families to address parenting time matters outside of the judicial process. Mediation and Restorative Services staff do not have direct access to court files, nor do they schedule court or attend court proceedings. In order to access the MI-Resolve Portal, you will need to have access to the other parent’s email address. 

  To learn more, please visit the MI-Resolve Online Dispute Resolution website.

Websites to Assist You

Employee Recognition

Have you had a good experience with a Friend of the Court employee and would like to acknowledge them?  Fill out and submit an Employee Recognition Form.