Michigan's One Court of Justice
What is Parenting Time?
The Role of the Court
Making the Most of Parenting Time
Role of Friend of the Court
Evaluating Cases
Enforcing Parenting Time
Dispute Resolution
What the FOC Cannot Do
Michigan Parenting Time Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions
Links
The Role of the Friend of the Court
Statutory Domestic Relations Mediation

The following rules govern this informal dispute resolution procedure:
  • You and the other parent meet with a trained mediator.

  • The mediator helps you and the other parent to communicate. The mediator may also suggest possible solutions.

Parent
  • If you and the other parent come to an agreement during mediation; that agreement will be made into a court order.

  • The mediator does not make any decision for you.

  • Everything that is said during mediation is confidential and cannot be repeated in a court hearing without both parents' permission.

  • The person who mediated your dispute cannot later evaluate the case, enforce an order in the case, or act as a referee in your case after participating in mediation.