Facilitation
*NOTE: All parties scheduled for a facilitation conference will be REQUIRED to attend the SMILE Program. For more information please click the link listed here: SMILE Program
Facilitation Conference Questionnaire
Domestic Violence Questionnaire
The facilitation process is designed to inform and assist those parents who need to address issues involving their children. Those issues include custody, parenting time, and child support. Those problems and concerns are approached in a comprehensive and educational manner. A facilitator works with the parties in an attempt to formulate mutually acceptable solutions. The Facilitation Conference is tailored to deal with each unique case. Discussions will relate directly to the current family situation. The focus will be on the best interests of the children.
When applicable, the following steps will be taken after a “Summons and Compliant” form involving minor children has been submitted to the Court:
Step 1:
- After Proof of Service and order of the Court, the Friend of the Court office will send a Notice of Hearing, Order regarding Facilitation, Facilitation Conference Questionnaire and a Domestic Violence Screening Questionnaire to each party requiring them to meet online or in-person at the Friend of the Court office. Parties will be scheduled to meet with the facilitator as soon as practicable. EXCEPTIONS: If an order has been entered by the Court that addresses custody, parenting time and child support, and there is no objection to that order, a Facilitation Conference will not be held.
Step 2:
- Parties will meet with the Facilitator on their scheduled date for the Facilitation Conference. The issues of custody, parenting time and support will be discussed based on each individual case.
Step 3:
- The Facilitator will follow the outlined facilitation program allowing the parties to actively participate by asking questions, stating their positions, concerns etc.
Step 4:
- The Facilitator will offer information and discuss issues with the parties while maintaining the focus on the best interests of the child or children.
Step 5:
- An Ex Parte order may be submitted to the Court for signature with or without the parties having reached an agreement. The parties will have twenty-one (21) days to object to the order.
Facilitation FAQs
When would Facilitation be scheduled on my case?
After the original complaint has been filed, Facilitation will be scheduled by the Shiawassee Friend of the Court.
May I bring my attorney?
Any attorney of record may be present at the Facilitation. Please let us know via email if you plan on attending. The Friend of the Court encourages parties to attend WITHOUT their attorney.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes. A Facilitation questionnaire and Domestic Violence Screening will be sent to you with your notice to appear. Please complete them both and bring the following forms with you.
- Your W-2 or 1099 form for the prior year or if self-employed, copies of the last three (3) years of income tax returns or three-year certified statement of earnings form an accountant.
- Your last four (4) paystubs or a verification of income from employer.
- If you are unemployed, proof of your unemployment benefits.
- If you have medical/ mental disabilities preventing you from working, verification from a Physician and/or Award Letter for Social Security Disability or SSI.
- Copies of other court actions, in any court, copies of driver’s licenses, copies (front and back) of insurance cards and/or Medicaid cards.
What happens if only one party attends the Facilitation?
An Ex Parte order would be submitted to the court based on the available information.
If the parties do not reach an agreement and an Ex Parte order is sent to the court that I do not agree with, what can I do?
If you do not agree with the order submitted to the court you may file an objection to that Ex Parte order. If the objection period listed at the end of your Ex Parte order has ended. You will need to file a motion to modify the order. This action is taken at the Circuit Court in the Courthouse, not at the Friend of the Court Office.
