Friend of the Court

The role of the Friend of the Court's (FOC) office is to enforce court orders for child support, medical support, custody, parenting time, and spousal support (alimony). The Family Division of the Court conducts the hearing for these cases. The Finance Services unit provides accounting and auditing support for FOC.

Mission of the Courts of Kalamazoo County:
Uphold the law and provide justice for all.

Vision for the Future:
As a leading and innovative court system, our vision is to:
…Enhance public trust, respect and safety.
…Resolve legal matters in a fair and timely manner.
…Promote the success of individuals, families, and youth.

Beginning in March 2021, Kalamazoo County is participating in a new program with the Michigan Office of Child Support and Michigan Works!

Child support payers who have a case in Kalamazoo County may be eligible for free employment services from Michigan Works! to help gain and keep a good paying job. If you are accepted into the program, and while you remain in the program, Kalamazoo County Friend of the Court will work with you to see if your child support can be lowered, your child support arrears owed to the State forgiven, and/or whether enforcement actions can be put on hold to allow you time to complete the employment program. If you are interested, please call 877-543-2660 and ask to be referred to your Enforcement Officer for more information about the L.E.A.P. program. We all want to take the best care of our children. But sometimes it is tough to find decent work and make enough money to support them. Here is a chance to get on a new track for you and your family.

How Can LEAP Help Me?

As a LEAP participant, you will be eligible to receive the following services:

• Career Coach
  Receive one-on-one attention and referrals to needed services. Participants meet with their career coach in­ person, on the phone, and Online at least once a week to support their progress.
  
• Job Leads and Career Planning
  Get help finding job leads that fit your skills. Hear ideas and strategies job seekers use to get hired. learn about ways to earn better wages and advance your career.
• Support Services
  You may receive help with things like work-related expenses, transportation,licensing fees, job training, and GED or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, if available. You also may be eligible for job retention and career advancement services for up to six months after entering employment.
• Incentives
  When you are fully participating in and complying with the LEAP program, the Friend of the Court may reinstate suspended licenses, review your child support order to see if it can be lowered, lift bench warrants and reconsider other enforcement actions that are in effect. Michigan Works! may supply financial incentives when you reach specific milestones in the program.
• On the Job Training (OJT)
  OJT is a vital tool that can help job seekers with re-entering the workforce. This program offers a wage reimbursement to employers to t rain you on new skills.

Get Involved with LEAP

To receive LEAP services, you may voluntarily enroll or a judge may refer you into the program as part of a court order. You can speak with your enforcement officer to learn more.