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1. How do I start a new divorce case?

You must file a complaint with the County Clerk to start a new divorce. The County Clerk's Office has a packet of do-it-yourself forms available for purchase. Contact an attorney for further information. You may also call Legal Services at 800-968-0044 or visit https://michiganlegalhelp.org/.

2. How do I start a new child support case?

All new cases are started by filing the proper petition with the County Clerk. The Friend of the Court does not provide forms to start a new case. We suggest that you contact an attorney for assistance. You may also call DHHS at 866-540-0008.

3. What are the 29th Circuit Court Parenting Time Guidelines and how do they apply to my case?

The Friend of the Court office can provide a schedule for parents to follow when their order states that the noncustodial parent has "reasonable and liberal parenting time" without a set schedule. Parents who do not have an order in place are also encouraged to utilize the guidelines.

4. How do I change an existing order?

You may request a change by filing a motion. When you file a motion, you must explain why you believe there is proper cause for your request, or that there has been a change of circumstances since the last order was entered. You must also show that the requested change is in the best interests of your child(ren). For child support only, you may submit a written request for a statutory review if it has been at least 3 years since your last review or the entry of your last order. 

The parties may also agree to modify their Order by signing a written agreement that is then submitted to the Court for approval (called a "Stipulation and Order"). Once the signed agreement is received by the Friend of the Court, an appointment will be scheduled to assist in drafting the agreement into a Stipulation and Order.

5. What happens if a parent does not pay child support as ordered?

When a payer of support gets behind by an amount equivalent to 2 months' support, the Friend of the Court will schedule a show cause hearing. If a payer fails or refuses to pay, enforcement actions include, but are not limited to, tax refund interception; liens on property; suspension of driver's, occupational, and sporting licenses, credit reporting; and jail.

6. Can I deny parenting time if the other parent is not paying child support as ordered?

No, parenting time and child support are separate issues with separate enforcement procedures.

7. What if I am ordered to pay support based on my income from work, but I get laid off from my job?

You may submit a written request for a temporary reduction of support if you were laid off due to lack of work. Contact Support Specialist Jacey Miller at 989-224-5138 for more information.

8. What can I do if the other parent violates the custody or parenting time order?

You may file a written complaint with the FOC. A complaint form is available on the Custody and Parenting Time page. Upon receipt of your complaint, your caseworker will determine the appropriate enforcement action. Please note that complaints submitted more than 56 days after an alleged violation will not be addressed. You may also choose to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause on your own or with the assistance of an attorney.

9. Is there a specific age when my child can decide where he/she wants to live?

No, the preference of a child is only 1 of 12 "best interests factors" that the Court considers when making custody decisions. The age and maturity of a child may influence the level of consideration given to the child's preference.