The Friend of the Court office understands that a child’s best interests are often served by parents being able to reach their own agreements.  To assist parents in this goal, our office provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services.  
The goal of FOC ADR is to facilitate meaningful discussion between parents to achieve resolution of custody, parenting time, and/or child support issues in a neutral and safe environment.  There is no charge for these services.  Participation in ADR services is voluntary (unless parties have been ordered to participate by the Court).  
It is highly encouraged that you complete the SMILE (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) program prior to participation in ADR.  SMILE is offered as an online program and may also be found on the Friend of the Court’s website.  
The following ADR services offered:
 

•     Joint meetings as established in MCL 552.642a and MCR 3.224

•     Facilitative and information gathering conference (FIG) as established in MCR 3.224

•     FOC domestic relations mediation as established in MCL 552.513 and MCR 3.224

FOC ADR services are provided by trained staff and all cases are screened for domestic violence.  

     ADR Local Administrative Order [PDF link]


Mi-Resolve is an online system where you and the other party can have a text-based conversation along with a trained mediator to see if you can resolve the matter. If parties agree on a particular resolution, the system produces an agreement form that is signed by the parties on the platform which produces a binding contract. The system also produces any necessary forms for filing in court.

     MIResolveFamily (michigan.gov)


Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) utilizes trained mediators to help resolve issues.  CDRP can be used for custody, parenting time, child support, or property issues.  It can be used before a case is filed, to resolve issues during the pendency of a case, or to resolve post-judgment issues.  Mediation offers a variety of benefits including flexibility and participant control of the outcome.  CDRP mediation is confidential.  There may be a cost to parties to use a CDRP center.   

    Community Dispute Resolution Program (michigan.gov)

    CDRP center locations [PDF link]

Huron County is served by The Resolution Center located in Mt. Clemens, Michigan:
    The Resolution Center | Facilitative Mediation & Dispute Resolution


Additional information on ADR services, including instructional videos on how to use Mi-Resolve, may be found on the SCAO Office of Dispute Resolution website.

    Office of Dispute Resolution (michigan.gov)