Friend of the Court

PUBLIC NOTICE - ANNUAL REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE RECORD OF THE FRIEND OF THE COURT

Pursuant to Michigan law, the chief circuit judge annually reviews the performance record of the friend of the court.  The review will be conducted on or about July 1, 2023.  This review is limited by law to the following criteria:

  • whether the friend of the court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to carry out the written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty;
  • whether the purposes of the Friend of the Court Act are being met; and
  • whether the duties of the friend of the court are being carried out in a manner that reflects the needs of the community.

Members of the public may submit written comments to the chief judge relating to these criteria.  Send your written comments, with your name and address, to:

Hon. Gregory Pittman
990 Terrace St, Suite 500
Muskegon, MI 49442

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.

MI-Resolve

The MI-Resolve Family System is FREE to use and is recommended for cases involving, creating, or modifying parenting time plans, including issues relating to weekends, holidays, mid-week parenting time, drop-off and pick-up times/locations, school vacation periods, daycare selection/schedules, and children’s extracurricular activities.  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.