FAQs • Monroe County, MI • CivicEngage

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Monroe County, MI

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What happens if I don’t attend the Referral Program?: Michigan Works Agency (MWA) will notify the Friend of the Court Office and further action will be taken.

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Friend of the Court

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1. Where do I go to start getting help?: Department of Human services or file an application through the Friend of the Court.

2. What happens if I don’t attend the Referral Program?: Michigan Works Agency (MWA) will notify the Friend of the Court Office and further action will be taken.

3. What do I do when I change jobs or get a new job?: Notify the Friend of the Court office in writing with the name, address, and telephone number of the new employer.

4. Do I have to have support deducted from my pay?: It is the law in Michigan that all support is paid through payroll deductions unless expressly excluded by the court.

5. Do I have to pay my child support if I don’t get to see my children?: The court orders the support for your share of your child’s / children’s livelihood. Parenting Time and Child Support are separate issues and are enforced that way through the Friend of the Court.

6. What if I can’t pay the amount of support the court ordered?: You may petition the court for modification of the support order based on your income. The motion is available at the Friend of the Court front desk.

7. Do I have to hire an attorney?: If you choose to hire an attorney you may, if not the paperwork is available to do it on your own at the Friend of the Court front desk.

8. What happens if I miss a court date?: It is possible that a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest for failure to appear.

9. What happens if the Judge says I violated the court order because I did not pay?: You may be found in contempt of court. A contempt finding could require a lump sum payment or a jail sentence.

10. What can I do if I am not being allowed by the custodial parent to have my parenting time with the child?: You may file a complaint. These forms are available at the Friend of the Court front desk or on the website.

11. What do I do if I feel my rights were violated by the Monroe County Friend of the Court?: There is a Friend of the Court Grievance for available at the front desk of the Monroe County Friend of the Court office or you can request that one be mailed to you. You may ask a staff member for the procedure in filing the paperwork.