Is the Friend of the Court on my side?

No. The FOC is neutral. It works for the court and the children's interests, not for either parent.

How long do I have to object to a Friend of the Court recommendation?

Generally 21 days after the recommendation is served. Check your paperwork and your county's local rules.

Can I opt out of Friend of the Court services?

In some cases both parents can ask the court to opt out, but not when public assistance is involved or when there are concerns such as domestic violence. The judge decides.

How do I contact my county Friend of the Court?

Each county FOC has its own office, phone and website, usually listed on the county circuit court page. Your case paperwork also lists the office.

Can Clear Path prepare my objection or motion to modify?

Yes. We prepare the documents from your information after reviewing your situation. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice or represent you at a hearing.

Michigan Family Law Guide

What Is FOC? Michigan Friend of the Court Explained

The office that shows up in almost every Michigan custody and support case — and what you can ask it to do.

Reviewed and updated October 14, 2026 by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.

Quick Answer

What is FOC in Michigan?

FOC stands for Friend of the Court, an office of each Michigan county's circuit court. It investigates and makes recommendations to the judge on custody, parenting time and child support, keeps the support records, and enforces orders when a parent does not pay or does not follow parenting time. The FOC does not represent either parent and is not your lawyer. If you disagree with an FOC recommendation, you generally have 21 days to file a written objection and ask the judge for a hearing.

Get help preparing FOC paperwork

FOC means

Friend of the Court

Part of

Each county's circuit court

Objection deadline

21 days after recommendation is served

Support review

May be requested every 36 months

Payments go through

Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU)

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. ClearPath Document Services is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.Read full disclaimer

How to look up your FOC case and payments

Michigan parents can see support payment history and case details through the state's MiChildSupport portal (michildsupport.gov). For hearing dates or file questions, contact the FOC office in the county where the case is open — it is located with that county's circuit court.

Have your FOC case number or circuit court case number ready
Payments and balances: MiChildSupport portal or MiSDU
Recommendations, reviews, and parenting-time complaints: your county FOC office
County court and FOC location details are on our Michigan county pages (see /locations)

What the FOC handles

Once a divorce, custody or support case has children involved, the FOC typically opens a file and stays involved until the children age out of support.

Custody and parenting-time investigations and recommendations
Child support calculations using the Michigan Child Support Formula
Support reviews and modification recommendations
Enforcement: income withholding, show-cause hearings, license suspension, tax refund interception
Parenting-time enforcement and make-up time

Asking for a child support review

Either parent can ask the FOC to review support. Reviews are generally available every 36 months, or sooner if there has been a substantial change such as a job loss, big income change, or change in where the children live.

Send a written request to your county FOC
Gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare and health insurance costs
The FOC recommends a new amount; either parent may object
You can also file your own motion to modify support with the court

Objecting to an FOC recommendation

Recommendations often become temporary or final orders if nobody objects. Watch the date on the paperwork.

File a written objection with the circuit court clerk within 21 days
Serve the objection on the other parent and the FOC
The judge (or referee) holds a hearing and decides
Late objections may be refused

Working well with the FOC

Keep it documented and keep it civil — FOC staff see thousands of cases.

Always write your case number on everything
Keep your address and employer current with the FOC
Save proof of payments and missed parenting time
Ask about Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation) — many counties offer it

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Michigan guides

Keep researching — every link opens in the same tab and includes flat-fee document prep options.

Questions about your paperwork?

Talk to a real person at Clear Path — no obligation, and every matter is reviewed before we quote.

Call (833) 777-FILE Text us

Get a free quote

Name, phone, and email — we review your matter before quoting. No online purchase.

Need an objection, motion to modify, or custody paperwork prepared?

Clear Path prepares Michigan family court documents from the information you provide. Every matter is reviewed before we quote, invoice or start work.