Legal System
The Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court (FOC) is the collection, enforcement and investigative arm of the Circuit Court in the area of domestic relations. The action by the office is dictated by court order. Orders are issued by the court after the Judge has made a determination and the written document is signed, then filed with the county clerk. To obtain a domestic relations order from the Court, the issue has to be brought before the Court through formal legal action. This is accomplished through private attorneys, sometimes the prosecuting attorney or by action of one of the parties. The Friend of the Court does not become involved until action is filed with the court.
Communication with the Friend of the Court Office
Please contact the FOC office in writing so that complete and accurate information is recorded in the case file. Written communications between the FOC and the parties ensure a complete record is maintained. Requests for enforcement support such as child, spousal, parenting time, medical, etc., must be in writing. Whenever communicating with the FOC, always include the case number assigned to your case and keep your own copy.
Please keep the FOC informed of changes in vital information concerning your case. Provide the FOC with a written notice of any changes of: addresses, names, sources of income, medical insurance, telephone numbers, marital status of parties and minors, legal guardianships/ adoptions, financial status including bankruptcy, and physical custody of the child. Also, notify the FOC of the death of a party or child, the termination of parental rights, the reconciliation of parties, a child's high school graduation date and any other activity in any other court affecting your child.
If you must contact the FOC by telephone, be sure to give the operator your full name, the other party's full name and your case number. Information about payments and arrearages will not be given over the telephone.
General, non-case specific information can be given over the telephone while only limited case specific information may be given. This is a safeguard to protect the confidentiality of your file and your privacy.
Access to Friend of the Court Records
The records maintained by the FOC are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act; therefore, they are not open to the general public.
They are confidential records used to monitor your domestic relations case for the court. Michigan Court Rules grant certain individuals including the parties and attorney of record access to non-confidential FOC records of your case for review and copying. Copies of accessible records cost $1.00 per page.
Appointments
To request an appointment, complete the request for access form. A copy may be requested either at the front desk reception area at the office at 82 Ionia or by phone and it will be mailed to you.
Clients should make sure of the location of their appointment. Enforcement hearings or other court actions are held at the Hall of Justice not at the FOC office.
Other information available on the website www.accesskent.com includes:
