Friend of the Court Explained

In Michigan family law cases involving children, the Friend of the Court (FOC) plays an important role. Many parents encounter the Friend of the Court during divorce, custody, parenting time, and child support cases.

The Friend of the Court is an office that assists the court in family law matters involving minor children. The office helps monitor court orders related to custody, parenting time, and child support.

The Friend of the Court may investigate disputes, make recommendations to the judge, and help enforce court orders. For example, the office can assist with collecting child support payments and addressing violations of parenting time schedules.

Parents may also participate in Friend of the Court mediation to attempt to resolve disputes without a formal court hearing.

While the Friend of the Court can be helpful in resolving conflicts, it is important for parents to understand that the judge—not the Friend of the Court—makes the final decisions in a case.