Friend of the Court
Mission Statement
To serve the Court and the families of Kent County to ensure children are supported, both financially and emotionally.
We understand that issues associated with custody, parenting time and child support can often be stressful. The animations below make Friend of the Court processes a little less intimidating.
A big thank you to Grand Valley State University's Suzanne Zack and the students in GVSU's Animation Outreach, North Park Montessori students and staff, and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center for their creativity!
Mediation is used to help resolve issues and make changes to your custody and/or parenting time order.
Submit updated changes in health insurance information to FOC within 21 days
Overview
The Friend of the Court is the collection, enforcement and investigative arm of the Circuit Court in the area of domestic relations. The action by the office is dictated by court order. Orders are issued by the court after the Judge has made a determination and the written document is signed, then filed with the county clerk. To obtain a domestic relations order from the Court, the issue has to be brought before the Court through formal legal action. This is accomplished through private attorneys, sometimes the prosecuting attorney or by action of one of the parties. The Friend of the Court does not become involved until action is filed with the court.
We are available through email 24-hours a day at foc.mail@kentcountymi.gov and by phone at 877-543-2660 or (616) 632-6888, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. Case Managers will be available for walk-in appointments on Tuesdays from 8:00am-11:30am and Thursday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
We recently made a few changes for child support case managers. Please know that, even though you might work with someone different, your case manager is fully able to assist you.