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FOC FAQs

 

Access to Court Orders and Files

Q: How do I obtain copies of court orders or case files?

A: Submit an FOC Access to Records Request (FOC form 4022PW). Due to processing delays, you may file a motion without attaching a current order if it is unavailable.

Accessing Your Friend of the Court (FOC) case 

Q: How can I get information about my case?
A: You may access information about your Friend of the Court case in several ways:

  • FOC Call Center: Call 844-785-7593. The Call Center offers a courtesy callback feature so you can keep your place in line and receive a return call when it is your turn.
  • TTY Service: Dial 7-1-1 to be connected to a Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Assistant
  • Payment Information Only" Call the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) at 877-544-2660.
  • Online Case Access: Register for MiChildSupport at www.michigan.gov/michildsupport to view case information.
  • Virtual Appointments: Schedule a virtual appointment with an FOC customer service representative at https://thirdjudicialcircuitofmichigan.setmore.com/. Appointments are available Wednesday and Fridays. A current web browser is required; Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are recommended.
  • In-Person Customer Service: Visit the Friend of the Court Customer Service lobby at the Penobscot Building.      Walk-in service is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (you must be in line by 4:15 p.m.) Masks are recommended and available upon request.
  • Attorneys: Attorneys may leave a voicemail at 313-224-5295 or focattorneyline@3rdcc.org.

Address, Employment, and Personal Information Updates

Q: How do I update my address or employer information?
A: Call 844-785-7593 or fax a signed Address and Demographic change Form (FD-FOC4041) TO 313-237-9202.

For name or Social Security number changes, include a copy of your driver's license, Social Security card, and supporting court order.

Changing Child Support

Q: How can I change the child support amount
A: There are two primary ways to request a change in child support:

  1. File a Motion to Change Child Support (FOC Form 4035):
  • Michigan law (MCL 552.603) allows the Court to modify support back to the date the motion is filed and served.
  • Filing as soon as possible may allow a change to begin earlier.

     2. Request a Support Review through the Friend of the Court:

  • Mail a written request to:
    • P.O. Box 829, Detroit, MI 48231
  • The effective date begins the first day of the month after the Notice of Support Review is mailed to both parties.
  • Processing times vary due to staff availability and case volume.

Either party may request a support review every 36 months, or sooner if there is a significant change in circumstances.

Child Support Duration and Special Circumstances

Q: When does child support start?

A: Support begins on the commencement date stated in the court order.

Q: Can support continue after age 18?
A: Yes, under limited circumstances, such as continued full-time high school enrollment, up to age 19½, with proper documentation provided before the child’s 18th birthday.

Q: Why am I still paying after my child turned 18?
A: If arrears are owed, payments continue until the balance is paid in full.

 

Child Support Payments

Q: Where and how can I make child support payments?

A: You may make child support payments using the following methods. Always have your case number available.

In Person (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; must be in line by 3:45 p.m.)
  • Penobscot Building, 1st Floor, 645 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell Street, 1st Floor C-1132, Detroit, MI 48211

By Mail

  • Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU)
  • P.O. Box 30351, Lansing, MI 48909-7851

Online

Phone

  • 888-604-7888

Other Payment Options

  • PayNearMe
  • MoneyGram

You should not make court-ordered child support payments directly to the other parent unless your court order specifically allows it.

Civil Child Support Bench Warrants

Q: How do I resolve a Friend of the Court civil child support warrant?
A: Respondents seeking to resolve a civil child support warrant may walk into the Friend of the Court Customer Service area Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Be prepaid to:

  • Make a payment, and
  • Commit to making future payments.

To expedite service, inform the security officer or sheriff at the entrance that you are there to resolve an FOC warrant.

Establishing Support, Paternity, and Enforcement

Q: How do I obtain an order for paternity or child support?
A: Most cases must be referred by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement at 866-540-0008. The referral process typically takes 1–4 months.

Q: Do I need an attorney?
A: A: No. You may file on your own, though an attorney may help with paperwork and court procedures.

Q: Is the Michigan Child Support Formula required?
A: Yes, unless the Court finds that use of the formula would be unjust or inappropriate and states the reason on the record.

Filing Motions

Q: How do I file a motion with the Court?
A: A: Motions may be filed with the Wayne County Clerk by:

  • Online: Through the Domestic Case Filings System on our Agency Resources page.
  • In Person: Room 200A, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Two Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

Mondays and Thursday only
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (must be in line by 3:30 p.m.)

  • By Mail: Wayne County Clerk, Room 201, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Two Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

All filing fees must be paid or waived before filing. Filings that do not follow posted instructions may be rejected.

Financial Administrative Review

Q: What if I believe there is a mistake on my child support account?
A: The Michigan Child Support Enforcement System (MiCSES) monitors court-ordered support obligations. If you believe there is a mistake of fact—such as an error in account status or mistaken identity—you may request a Financial Administrative Review through the Friend of the Court.

Q: What documentation is required for a Financial Administrative Review?
A: To request a review, you must submit clear copies of one or more of the following:

  • A new court order showing the support obligation has been modified
  • A court order authorizing credit for support paid directly to the recipient (notarized letters are not accepted)
  • Valid identification verifying your identity if there is an alleged error involving identity or Social Security number

Q: How do I submit a Financial Administrative Review request?
A: Submit documentation by mail or fax to:

Friend of the Court – Information Services Department
Financial Administrative Review Request
645 Griswold Street
Detroit, MI 48226
Fax: 313-237-9202


The Information Services Department will notify you of its findings by mail. For questions, contact FOC Customer Service at 844-785-7593.

Legal Assistance and Resources

Q: Where can I find legal help?
A: The following resources may be available:

  • Detroit Legal Services Clinic
    • Virtual consultations through the Detroit Bar Association
    • In-person clinic: Third Tuesday of the month, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., Detroit Bar Association offices, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 12th Floor, Room 1207

Parenting and Grandparenting Time

Q: How do I enforce my court-ordered parenting time?
A: If the other parent is not following the court-ordered parenting time schedule or has wrongfully denied your parenting time, you must file a Request for Parenting Time Enforcement (FD-FOC 4052). A copy of the parenting time order you are seeking to enforce must be attached to the request.


Q: Where do I get and file the Request for Parenting Time Enforcement form?
A: The form is available on the Friend of the Court Forms page or at the FOC Customer Service Lobby, located on the 1st Floor of the Penobscot Building, 645 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226. The request may be filed online (preferred), in person, or by mail. The most current filing instructions are available at our How To File page. There is no fee to file this request.

Q: What happens after I file a Request for Parenting Time Enforcement?
A: The Friend of the Court Referee Support Services will typically schedule a hearing with a Parenting Time Referee within approximately four weeks. The Referee may refer the parties to on-site mediation to resolve the issue. If the other party fails to appear, or if warranted, the Referee may recommend or request that the Court issue an Order to Show Cause, requiring the other parent to appear before a Judge. Orders to Show Cause are generally not issued for minor parenting time disputes.

For additional assistance, contact FOC Customer Service at 844-785-7593.

Q: Do grandparents have a right to court-ordered parenting time with their grandchildren?
A: Michigan law does not give grandparents a fundamental right to visit their grandchildren without parental consent. Under the Child Custody Act of 1970 (Public Act 91 of 1970), grandparenting time may be requested only under specific circumstances. A request must be filed with the court as either a motion or a complaint, depending on the facts of the case. 

Required filing and judgment fees apply and are paid to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, and the case will be assigned to a Third Circuit Court Judge for a hearing. The Friend of the Court cannot provide legal advice; grandparents seeking guidance should consult a private attorney.

Payments, Disbursement, and Records

Q: How do I obtain payment information?
A: Call 877-543-2660 for MiSDU’s automated system, or 844-785-7593 to speak with an FOC representative.

Q: Who receives child support payments?
A: Payments are disbursed to the custodial party listed in the court order, subject to state and federal welfare guidelines.

Q: Can I pay the other parent directly?

A: No, unless your court order specifically authorizes direct payment. Payments not made through MiSDU will not be credited.

Additional Common Questions

Q: How do I enforce a child support order?
A: If child support is not being paid in full or on time, you may file a free Request for Child Support Enforcement with the Friend of the Court. The form is available on the Court’s website under Forms – Friend of the Court. A hearing will be scheduled before an FOC referee, who may resolve the issue or refer the matter to the Court for an Order to Show Cause. If the payer fails to appear, a bench warrant may be issued. For assistance, contact FOC Customer Service at 844-785-7593.

Q: What if support is not being paid as ordered?
A: You may file a Request for Child Support Enforcement or consult an attorney.

Q: What if the payer is incarcerated?
A: Support may be abated if incarceration lasts 180 days or more, unless the payer has the ability to pay.

Q: What are service fees?
A: Michigan law requires a $42 annual service fee, assessed semiannually, to the payer of support.

Q: How is child support calculated?
A: Support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula, based on both parties’ income and parenting time.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Circuit of Michigan AI Service