When does the pilot project start?

The pilot project will start on Monday, February 2, 2009.

Which families will be involved in the pilot project?

Effective February 2, 2009, all newly-filed divorce cases with minor children filed with the Kent County Circuit Court will be part of the pilot project. The pilot project will continue for a minimum of 6 months.

Where are the pilot project court forms available?

Pilot Project Forms should be used by attorneys and parents during the pilot project. Variations in format are allowed so long as minimum requirements are met. See Tips for requirements.

Where can I get additional information about the pilot project?

. The Cooperative Parenting Project Work Group will be updating information on the accesskent.com website regularly.

Is there somewhere that I can get help other than on the Internet?

Kent County has the Legal Assistance Center (LAC) located on the 5th floor of the Courthouse, 180 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, MI. The approved forms can be obtained for a $15.00 fee. The LAC is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The use of non-adversarial language impacts which filings?

All filings must use non-adversarial where applicable. For example, participants in the action shall be referred to using the following terms: "parent", "father", "mother", "husband", and "wife".

How will the cases involved in the project be designated?

The cases involved in the project will have the "DMP" case type designation. In addition, the case captions will reflect: "REGARDING THE MARRIAGE OF" followed by the name of the "filing parent" and "non-filing parent".

Are there other fees?

No, the court costs (filing fees) remain the same.

Does the statutory waiting period still apply?

Yes, the 6-month waiting period remains in effect.

What if only one parent files the required Parenting Time Plan?

If you do not complete the parenting time plan, file it with the court, and provide copies as required, the court may approve the other parent's parenting time plan even if you disagree with it.

What if I agree with the other parent's Parenting Time Plan?

If you agree with the other parent's proposed parenting time plan, you do not need to do your own plan, but you should file a written statement with the court stating that you agree with the other parent's parenting time plan.

Other than using different forms to file, will I be involved in any other way?

You may be asked for your opinion through a survey, or an interview. You are encouraged to participate, if requested to do so.

When would I be contacted about the pilot, if selected?

That will be up to the consulting firm that has been hired by the Michigan Supreme Court to evaluate this project.

Is the Clerk's Office required to file my documents regardless of how I present them?

The Clerk's Office reserves the right refuse a filing if certain minimum requirements are not met. Using the forms provided by the Court will almost certainly assure that your filing will be accepted the first time. If you choose to use your own forms and there is an issue, a clerk will indicate specifically what the deficiency is and how to correct it.

I have an emergency and I don't have time to try mediation because the other person is totally unreasonable, what are my options?

This does not mean you cannot file a motion before mediation. However, you MUST present significant need for immediate relief to the Judge at the hearing or RISK being referred to mediation by the Judge at that hearing with no temporary order issued.

Do I have to file my Proposed Parenting Time Plan with the Friend of the Court (FOC)?

Yes, both the mother and father (or if represented, their attorneys) are required to file a copy of their respective proposed parenting time plans with the FOC.