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1. When will the Friend of the Court review child support?

The Friend of the Court (FOC) will review the support obligation on cases in the following situations:

• Every 3 years when the recipient of the support receives public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Family Independence Program (FIP)
• Upon the FOC staff initiative where certain restrictive conditions are met
• Upon receiving a Court Order from the Judge
• Upon written request of either party, not more than every 3 years

2. I am not eligible for a support review through the Friend of the Court, but my circumstances have changed and I believe support should be modified what should I do?

You may either

• Hire an attorney and file a petition with Circuit Court to request the Judge modify support, or order the Friend of the Court (FOC) review the case.
• File an in pro per petition (without an attorney).

The FOC can provide the in pro per forms, which the petitioner must then file with the appropriate court fee.

3. Does the Friend of the Court review and investigate the in pro per petitions?

Yes, the Friend of the Court reviews and investigates in pro per petitions.

4. Will support be made retroactive to the date I ask the Friend of the Court for a support review?

Not unless a court order specifies it or a petition was filed with the Circuit Court.

5. Does writing a letter to the Friend of the Court requesting a review qualify as the filing of a petition?

No, the filing of a petition is a formal court action.

6. My case was referred by the Judge in a Court Order for a support review. When it is completed, will support automatically be modified by the Friend of the Court?

Support will not be modified until a new order is entered.

7. I reached an agreement with the other party to modify support; will the Friend of the Court prepare an order based on our agreement?

If you choose to not apply the Michigan Child Support Formula recommendation, you will be provided a Uniform Support Order to complete and have signed by both parties.

8. Does the Friend of the Court review and make recommendations regarding alimony?

No, the Friend of the Court does not review and make recommendations regarding alimony.

9. I pay child support and I voluntarily reduced my income. Will my support be reduced?

Case law states that child support will not be reduced based on a voluntary reduction in income.

10. When making a recommendation for child support, does the Friend of the Court take into account my bills such as car payment, rent, utilities, or credit card debt?

The Michigan Child Support Formula already assumes all persons have certain living expenses. The Friend of the Court cannot deduct those bills before calculating support and making a recommendation.