Advisory Committee
The Friend of the Court Bureau Advisory Committee was created by the Michigan
Legislature in Public Act 294 of 1982. The Committee was designed to be representative of a cross section of citizens who deal with the Michigan domestic relations system. There are nine members who are appointed to serve on the committee (three public members, three attorney members, and three human service professionals). In addition the State Court Administrator appoints two non-voting members who represent the Michigan Friends of the Court.
The Committee's primary purpose is to advise the Friend of the Court Bureau in its
performance of its duties under the Friend of the Court Act. The Committee reviews a
number of Friend of the Court Bureau work products and frequently identifies subjects that might benefit from further discussion or research. In addition, the Friend of the Court Bureau Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the State Court Administrator on appropriate policies and procedures pertaining generally to the domestic relations system.
The committee does not have authority over court or local friend of the court office decisions or operations, cannot intervene in individual cases, and cannot provide legal advice. The committee listens to public comment for purposes of making recommendations regarding policy.
Meeting Schedule and Agendas
Meetings are typically held at 1:00 p.m. on the third Friday of every February, May, August, and November. See the agenda.
The August 16 meeting has been cancelled. The Committee will reconvene November 15, 2019.
Public Comment
Members of the public may address the committee regarding improvements to the system or before a vote on an issue under consideration in accordance with the Public Comment and Attendance Guidelines.
Generally, public remarks on issues under consideration or policy recommendations are limited to the public comment portions of the meeting. All requests to provide oral comment must be made before or at the start of the meeting using a Request for Public Comment and Attendance form to ensure an opportunity to speak before any committee votes.