Kent County Friend of the Court

09/17/2026

More often than not, FOC gets blamed when a parent disagrees with a custody or parenting-time decision.

And we totally understand why the confusion happens…

But here’s your HINT: 👀

JUDGE + MENT = JUDGMENT

FOC does NOT decide which parent gets custody.
FOC does NOT decide how much parenting time a parent gets.
FOC does NOT decide which parent “deserves” more time.

So when you hear:

🗣️ “Why did FOC give them custody?”
🗣️ “Why did FOC give me this parenting-time schedule?”
🗣️ “Why is FOC allowing this?”

The answer is: FOC didn’t make the decision.

And then comes the next question:

🤔 “Well, WHY did the Judge make this decision?”

THAT is where the law comes in.

Michigan law provides specific factors that judges consider when making custody and parenting-time decisions. These decisions are not based on which parent the Judge likes or dislikes. They are based on the factors established in law for THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD

📚 Want to understand what those factors are?

Read the factors below ⬇⬇⬇⬇

Because knowing how the process works is better than guessing how the process works.

EDUCATION > MISINFORMATION

And remember:

FOC follows the order.
The Judge makes the judgment.

09/16/2026

Receiving a child support payment—or making one—can sometimes feel a little confusing. 😵‍💫

“Did it get sent?”
“Where is my payment going?”
“How do I make my payment?”
“When will it show up?”

We get these questions ALL the time!

So, we put together a quick look at the different ways child support payments can be MADE and RECEIVED.

📌 Swipe through the information below to learn more about your payment options to send or receive.

And remember, when in doubt, ASK FOC! 🙋🏽‍♀️

📞 Kent County Friend of the Court:
616-632-6888

We’re here to help you understand the process!!!!

Know the process. Know your options. Know where to get answers.

09/14/2026

We Are Hiring !!!!! Kent County, Michigan

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

📣 KENT COUNTY FOC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We’re already looking ahead to 2027, and we want YOUR input! 👀

Kent County Friend of the Court is always looking for new ways to meet clients where they are, provide useful information, answer questions, and make navigating FOC a little easier.

Here are some of the events we currently offer:

🔹 Bench Warrant Clinic
Have an active bench warrant? This event gives clients an opportunity to work with our office to address their warrant and understand their next steps — confidently and without the guesswork or police presence.

🔹 How to Read Your Order
Court orders can be confusing! This event helps clients understand what their orders actually say, what the language means, and what is expected of them.

🔹 ASK FOC
We partner with community organizations to provide an informative presentation — then open the floor for Q&A! Bring your questions and ASK FOC. 🙋🏽‍♀️

🔹 FOC Academy
Think you know how child support works? 🤔
FOC Academy breaks down the ins and outs, processes, terminology, and the “Myth vs. Reality” of child support.

✨ BUT WE’RE NOT STOPPING THERE!

We want to add new events and topics for 2027, and we want to hear directly from YOU.

What would you like Kent County FOC to host?

💬 A workshop?
💬 A Q&A?
💬 A class?
💬 Help understanding a specific FOC process?
💬 Parenting time or custody information?
💬 Financial or child support education?
💬 Something completely different?

👇🏽 DROP YOUR IDEAS IN THE COMMENTS!

Your question could become our next FOC event! 💙

09/03/2026

Have a child support bench warrant? You have options.

Join us for a Child Support Bench Warrant Clinic and meet directly with Kent County Friend of the Court staff to discuss your situation and next steps.

🗓️ Wednesday, October 7 | 12:30–3:30 PM
📍 LINC UP Gallery, 341 Hall St Se

Attend confidently. No law enforcement will be present.

If you’re employed, bring proof of income. If you’re medically unable to work, bring proof of disability. Payments can be made by cash, credit card, cashier’s check or money order.

Clear the path. Get support. Move forward.
Questions or need more information?
[email protected] | (616) 885-0472

09/03/2026

📚School is back in session: need to change somethings and both parties are in agreement..... sign up for mediation https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094ba4aa2ba4f94-mediation #/

🗓 Bench Warrant Clinic: 10/7/26 @ Linc Up 12:30pm to 3:30pm
No 🚓 presence
Confidently take care of your warrant
Bring ID and 💵

08/27/2026

🗓September is next week already....here are some of the outreaches FOC's Team will be attending!!! Stop by, ask questions or just say HI!!!!

😁We're here to help, The Kent County Way!!!