Disagreements over child custody, parenting time, and child support are typical in several family court cases. Because of the regularity with which these disagreements emerge, legal systems have judged it necessary to appoint a specific individual to investigate complaints and charges of wrongdoing.
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Learn more about child custody, visitation rights, and support here.
This individual, known as the Friend of the Court (FOC), plays a key role in Michigan family law matters, particularly on the aforementioned concerns. The FOC is appointed by the family division of the circuit court in Michigan’s numerous counties. It may be helpful to dig in deeper and learn more about the Friend of the Court in Michigan. In some instances, it may be essential for parents and interested parties to go beyond what the FOC provides and contact a family law attorney to resolve disputes.
Defining Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court (FOC) is a court-affiliated service that gathers data for the court regarding child support, child custody, and parenting time issues. When a case involving a minor child is filed in a county circuit court, the person will be given a FOC staff with whom they will work throughout the case.
The FOC will examine the facts of your case and make suggestions about child custody, visitation rights, and support, particularly medical support. You and the other parent will be asked to complete forms and participate in in-person interviews as part of the inquiry.
Refusing to comply with the request of the FOC is never a smart move. Not only will you appear disorganized and negligent, but the information provided by the other parent could influence the FOC’s decision-making process in making recommendations.
It is critical, however, that the information you provide is properly reviewed. An experienced family law attorney can help you provide accurate and precise information in a way that is favorable to you and your children.
Function and Duties of The Friend Of The Court In Michigan
If you have a family law case in Michigan that involves minor children, you may already know about the Friend of the Court, but you may not fully understand what they do or how it affects your case.
As we’ve talked about, the FOC handles a wide range of family law, divorce, and custody disputes. These issues include, but are not limited to:
- Carrying out investigations, writing reports, and making suggestions about child custody
- Investigating and presenting findings on matters about child support
- Examining and reporting on issues about parenting time
- Resolving conflicts and legal problems between parents about child custody, visitation rights, etc.
- Supplying legal papers related to family law and serving as a legal resource when an attorney is not available.
- Mediating disputes over child custody and parenting time when both parents are on board with the process is an alternative means of resolving disputes
- Providing custody, parenting time, and support order enforcement services
Seek Legal Advice From a Well-Versed Michigan Family Law Attorney
Inexperienced people may find it difficult to navigate, but a well-versed attorney can help alleviate some of that stress. Get in touch with Goldman and Associates today or set up an appointment if you’re having issues about the Friend of the Court in Michigan.