FAQs • Jackson County, MI • CivicEngage

May I see my child’s school, medical and other records if my child lives with the other parent?: Michigan law gives both parents the right to see certain records regardless of the custody arrangement. That includes medical, dental, school and the day care records. In addition, both parents are entitled to receive advance notice of meetings that concern their child’s education. However the Friend of the Court cannot enforce that law. You may wish to consult an attorney if you are denied any of these rights.

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Friend of Court - Parent Concerns

1. What can I do to pursue a felony warrant?: Under federal and Michigan Law, failing to pay child support may be a felony criminal offense. The Friend of the Court does not have the authority to bring felony charges. Federal charges are filed and prosecuted by the United States Attorney General’s Office. Their contact information is:
G. Mennen Williams Building
7th Floor, 525 W Ottawa Street
P.O. Box 30212
Lansing, MI 48909

Their numbers are 517-373-1110 or 877-765-8388.

2. I want to take my children and move out of state for a new job. What must I do?: File a Motion Regarding Custody asking for a change in domicile. You can not move more than 100 miles away from your residence, at the time of the court order, without approval from the court.

3. Can the Friend of the Court assist parties in reaching an agreement regarding custody?: Yes. The Friend of the Court provides domestic relations mediation when there is a custody dispute and both parties agree to participate in mediation. If both parties want to settle their dispute through mediation, they must submit a jointly signed statement requesting this voluntary service.

4. Will the Friend of the Court make sure that child support money is spent on the children?: No. The law does not authorize the Friend of the Court to verify how child support payments are spent by the custodial parent. However, the court may change the custody or support arrangements if you can show that the custodial parent has neglected the children’s needs by misusing your support payments.

5. Why won’t the Friend of the Court enforce what the judge said in court, even if it’s not in the written order?: The Friend of the Court’s authority is limited to enforcing written court orders.

6. May I see my child’s school, medical and other records if my child lives with the other parent?: Michigan law gives both parents the right to see certain records regardless of the custody arrangement. That includes medical, dental, school and the day care records. In addition, both parents are entitled to receive advance notice of meetings that concern their child’s education. However the Friend of the Court cannot enforce that law. You may wish to consult an attorney if you are denied any of these rights.

7. How do I file a complaint against the Friend of the Court?: The Friend of the Court Act includes a grievance process. You may use it to complain about a Friend of the Court office operation or employee. Depending on the subject of your grievance and when you file it, you will receive a response from the Friend of the Court or the Chief Judge. Within 30 days, the Friend of the Court must investigate your grievance and respond in writing or explain why a response can not be provided within that time. If you are not satisfied with the Friend of the Court response, you may file the same grievance with the chief circuit court judge. You can obtain a grievance form at the Friend of the Court office and the Michigan One Court of Justice Website.