Michigan family law resources
Free guides for parents in Michigan family court, with links to the official statewide forms
What do you need help with?
I want to change custody or parenting time
File FOC 87 or FOC 65 in your existing case and show proper cause or a change of circumstances
I need to change child support
Ask the Friend of the Court for a review, or file FOC 50 and show a substantial change
I was served papers and need to respond
21 days to answer a complaint served on you in person in Michigan, 28 in some cases
I want to understand the Friend of the Court
What the FOC investigates, recommends, and enforces, and how to work with it
I disagree with a referee or FOC recommendation
Objections, deadlines, and hearings before the judge
I want to move with my child
The 100-mile rule in MCL 722.31 and the FOC 115 motion
The other parent is not following the order
FOC complaints, makeup parenting time, and contempt
I was served with an emergency order
Ex parte orders and the 14-day objection
The Family Court Playbook: Michigan Edition
11 guides from start to finish
Step 1
How Family Court Works in Michigan
The family division of circuit court, referees, SCAO forms, and filing on paper or MiFILE
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Step 2
The Friend of the Court in Michigan
Investigations, recommendations, support reviews, enforcement, and grievances
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Step 3
Custody and Parenting Time in Michigan
The twelve best interest factors, joint custody, and how parenting time is set
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Step 4
How to Change a Custody or Parenting Time Order in Michigan
Proper cause or change of circumstances and the established custodial environment
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Step 5
Affidavits and Verified Statements in Michigan Family Court
When a document must be sworn and when a signed declaration is enough
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Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for Michigan Family Court
Authentication, hearsay, FOC reports, and organizing exhibits
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Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in Michigan
The Michigan Child Support Formula, overnights, imputed income, and reviews
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Step 8
Financial Disclosure in Michigan Family Cases
The FOC 23 Verified Statement and the CC 320 financial form
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Step 9
How to Serve Court Papers in Michigan
Summons, service methods, answer deadlines, and serving motions
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Step 10
Mediation and Friend of the Court ADR in Michigan
Court-ordered mediation, Friend of the Court ADR, and safety screening
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Step 11
What to Expect at a Michigan Family Court Hearing
Referee hearings, 21-day objections, and custody evidentiary hearings
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More guides
Specific topics and situations
Change of domicile
The 100-mile rule and moving out of Michigan
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EnforcementEnforcing an order
When the other parent does not follow custody, parenting time, or support orders
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EmergencyEx parte orders
Orders entered without notice, FOC 137, and objecting on FOC 61
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Official Michigan sources
SCAO domestic relations forms
Statewide SCAO forms for custody, parenting time, and support
Michigan Child Support Formula
The 2025 formula manual published by SCAO
E-filing courts in Michigan
SCAO list of courts on MiFILE and who must e-file
Michigan Legal Help
Self-help information and a directory of self-help centers
Custody schedule builder
Lay out a parenting time schedule on a real calendar and count each parent’s overnights
Build a schedule →
Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These guides are general legal information about Michigan law and court rules, with sources listed on each page.