Who FOCA Serves
“Friend of the Court” is from the Latin amicus curiae, a person with a strong interest in or views on the subject matter of an action, but who is not a party to the action.
The Friend of the Court serves as the investigative and enforcement arm of the Circuit Court in domestic relations cases. The Friend of the Court system was established by Michigan statute in 1919 to protect the emotional and financial needs of minor children with divorcing parents and later expanded to include children of parents who were never married. It is the oldest such agency in the country and the only one that offers comprehensive services concerning custody and parenting time as well as child and spousal support.
The Association (FOCA) was established to promote effective practices within FOC offices statewide. FOCA is a voluntary organization open to all FOC Directors and FOC leaders in any judicial circuit in the State of Michigan.
FOCA's Mission
Encourage progressive legislation, resolutions and other desirable programs representing the common interest of the children and their families involved in domestic relations problems in the State of Michigan.
FOCA's Purpose
- Provide a representative organization for all Friend of the Court personnel in the State of Michigan
- Promote and maintain proper standards of efficiency within the domestic relations system
- Encourage progressive legislation, resolutions, and other desirable programs representing the common interest of the children and their families involved in domestic relation problems in the State of Michigan