Educational Guide • Family Court
What to Expect at Friend of the Court
Friend of the Court (FOC) is the office in every Michigan circuit court that handles custody, parenting time, and child support cases. Here's what they do and how to prepare.
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Michigan's Friend of the Court is a circuit-court office that helps the judge handle child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. FOC conducts intake interviews, calculates support using the Michigan Child Support Formula, makes recommendations to the judge, and enforces final orders.
Key points
- FOC handles intake interviews, support calculations, enforcement, and reviews.
- Most family cases are referred to FOC after the initial filing.
- FOC can recommend orders, but only the judge can sign them.
- Referee hearings are common for support and parenting-time disputes.
- FOC enforces support through income withholding, license suspensions, and contempt.
The process, step by step
- 1
Initial referral
When a divorce or custody case opens with minor children, the court refers it to FOC.
- 2
Intake interview
Both parents complete questionnaires and (often) an in-person or Zoom interview about income, childcare, and parenting time.
- 3
Support calculation
FOC applies the Michigan Child Support Formula (income, overnights, healthcare, childcare).
- 4
Recommendation or referee hearing
FOC drafts a proposed order. Disputed issues can go to a referee hearing for evidence.
- 5
Judge's order
The judge reviews FOC's recommendation and signs the order, with or without changes.
- 6
Ongoing enforcement
FOC monitors compliance via the Michigan Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) and pursues enforcement when payments lapse.
In-depth explanation
Recommendations vs. orders
FOC's recommendations are not orders until the judge signs them. Either party usually has 21 days to object. If no one objects, the recommendation becomes an order.
Enforcement tools
FOC can use income withholding, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver's and professional licenses, deny passports, and seek civil contempt against parents who fall behind.
Reviews and modifications
Either parent can request a 36-month support review or file a motion to modify based on a substantial change in circumstances.
What trips people up
- Skipping the FOC intake interview.
- Not updating address or income changes with FOC.
- Trying to handle support changes informally between parents.
- Missing the 21-day objection window after a recommendation.
- Confusing FOC referees with the judge — they have separate roles.
Direct answers to common questions
Do I have to use Friend of the Court?+
Most Michigan family cases involving minor children are automatically referred to FOC. Parents can request 'opt-out' status for some FOC services if they meet specific criteria.
Is FOC a lawyer?+
No. FOC is a neutral office of the court. They cannot give either parent legal advice.
How does FOC calculate child support?+
Using the Michigan Child Support Formula manual — based on each parent's income, parenting-time overnights, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses.
What is a referee hearing?+
A hearing before a court-appointed referee (not a judge). The referee makes a recommendation that becomes an order if no one objects within 21 days.
Can FOC change my custody order?+
FOC can recommend changes, but only a judge can modify a custody or support order.
How does FOC enforce support?+
Through income withholding, tax-refund intercepts, license suspension, passport denial, and civil contempt.
How often can I review my support?+
You can request a review every 36 months, or sooner if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Can I make support payments directly to the other parent?+
No — Michigan support payments must go through MiSDU to be credited toward the order.
Official Michigan resources
These links go directly to government and public-interest sources for self-represented litigants. Always verify form numbers and procedures with your local court.
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Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.