Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Evaluating Cases
Enforcing Parenting Time
Dispute Resolution
What the FOC Cannot Do
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
The Role of the Friend of the Court
What is the Evaluation and Recommendation Process?

The friend of the court takes the following steps to evaluate your case and make a recommendation regarding parenting time.

  • A friend of the court employee will interview you and the other parent. The interviewer will also review important documents.

  • After evaluating your case, the friend of the court will make a written recommendation regarding parenting time to the court.

  • After the recommendation has been made, you may have to attend a hearing at which a judge or referee will consider the recommendation and make a decision regarding parenting time.
  • The recommendation alone cannot be used to prove the facts stated in the recommendation unless neither you nor the other parent object to letting it be used for that purpose.

  • The court does not have to follow the friend of the court’s recommendation.