Jurisdiction
Friend of the Court Overview of Services
- OVERVIEW OF SERVICES-
The Friend of the Court (FOC):
- Conducts investigations & makes recommendations regarding custody, parenting time, and child support.
- Provides formal and informal mediation services to settle custody & parenting time disputes.
- Enforces custody & parenting time orders through administrative and judicial actions. Examples:
- Contempt of Court – Orders to Show Cause (OSC)
- Communication counseling, anger management classes, parenting skills training, etc.
- Suspension of driver’s, occupational and/or recreational licenses.
- Makeup parenting time.
- Motions to modify custody and/or parenting time. - Enforces support orders through administrative and judicial actions. Examples:
- Income Withholding Notices (IWNs).
- Contempt of Court – Orders to Show Cause (OSC)
- Interception of federal and state income tax refunds.
- Suspension of driver’s, occupational and/or recreational licenses.
- Passport denials.
- Liens on real and personal property.
- Seizure of financial assets.
- Referrals to job placement services.
- Referrals to the County Prosecutor, State Attorney General, or U.S. Attorney for criminal prosecution. - Holds Early Intervention Conferences (EICs) to assess divorce cases, and acquaint parties with FOC services.
- Administers orientation and co-parenting program – “Start Making It Liveable for Everyone” (SMILE).
- Provides forms and instructions for filing custody, parenting time, and support motions as well as grievances.
- Assists the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) in collecting, recording, and distributing support payments.
- Assists the Citizens Advisory Committee in recommending improvements to FOC office operations.
- Works in partnership with the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) and State Department of Human Services (DHS formerly FIA).
The FOC cannot:
* Provide legal representation or advice.
* Enforce personal protection orders.
* Investigate claims of criminal activity, including spousal abuse and child abuse.