Guidance for Parents in Bay County, Saginaw County, Midland County & the Mid-Michigan Area

When the Friend of the Court (FOC) issues a Recommendation and Proposed Order, you have a limited amount of time to respond—usually 21 days, and sometimes less depending on the type of recommendation. If you disagree with any part of the FOC’s findings, it is critical to act quickly and follow the correct legal steps to protect your rights.

Triton Legal PLC helps parents across Bay County, Saginaw County, Midland County, and the surrounding Mid-Michigan region file timely, effective objections and secure a court hearing before the judge.

What Is a Friend of the Court Recommendation?

After investigating issues such as parenting time, custody, child support, or enforcement matters, the Friend of the Court may issue a written:

• Recommendation

• Proposed Order

• Referee’s Findings and Conclusions

• Referee Recommendation After Hearing

This document tells the court what the FOC believes should happen. If you do nothing, the recommendation often becomes a binding court order—even if it is wrong or unfair.

You Must Act Quickly — Deadlines Are Strict

In most Mid-Michigan counties, including Bay, Saginaw, and Midland, you typically have:

21 days

to file a written objection and request a de novo hearing before the judge.

Certain enforcement matters may require a response even sooner. If you miss the deadline:

• The recommendation becomes a court order

• You lose the opportunity to challenge it

• Changing it later becomes much harder

Triton Legal PLC can help you determine the correct deadline based on your specific county and type of recommendation.

Common Issues Found in FOC Recommendations

Parents often object to recommendations involving:

✔ Parenting time changes

✔ Holiday or school-break schedules

✔ Changes to physical or legal custody

✔ Inaccurate child support calculations

✔ Ignored evidence or missing information

✔ Unfair findings about communication or cooperation

✔ Safety concerns not properly addressed

✔ Referee misunderstandings or misstatements of fact

If the recommendation is wrong, incomplete, or based on inaccurate information, you have the right to challenge it.

How to Respond to a Friend of the Court Recommendation

1. Review the Recommendation Carefully

Note each paragraph or section you disagree with.

2. Write a Clear, Specific Objection

An objection must state what you disagree with and why. Vague statements like “I object” are not enough.

3. File the Objection With the Clerk of the Court

This must be done before the deadline—late objections are often rejected.

4. Serve the Other Party

You must provide a copy to the opposing party or their attorney.

5. Request a De Novo Hearing

This ensures a judge—not the FOC—makes the final decision.

Triton Legal PLC handles the entire process to ensure your objection is timely, complete, and persuasive.

What Is a De Novo Hearing?

A de novo hearing means the judge reviews the matter fresh—as if the Friend of the Court recommendation had never been issued.

You (or your attorney) can present:

• New evidence

• Witnesses

• Records, messages, and documents

• Legal arguments

• Safety concerns

• Issues the FOC overlooked

This hearing is your chance to correct errors and ensure the judge hears your side directly.

How Triton Legal PLC Helps

Parents in Bay, Saginaw, and Midland Counties turn to us because we provide:

✔ Fast turnaround

We can often draft and file an objection within 24–48 hours.

✔ A clear legal strategy

We identify which parts of the recommendation are vulnerable and how to challenge them effectively.

✔ Strong evidence presentation

We help organize texts, school records, CPS findings, police reports, and more.

✔ Skilled argument at the de novo hearing

We present your position clearly, confidently, and backed by law.

✔ Experience with local FOC offices

We understand how the Mid-Michigan FOC process works—and what judges expect.

Common Questions About Objecting to FOC Recommendations

“What if I agree with some parts but not others?”

You can object to only the sections you disagree with.

“What if the recommendation is already signed by the judge?”

You may still be able to file a motion to modify or set aside the order—timing is critical.

“Can I represent myself?”

Yes, but the process is technical, and mistakes can cost you valuable rights.

“Will the judge always change the recommendation?”

Not always—but strong objections backed by evidence can make a major difference.

Serving the Mid-Michigan Region

Triton Legal PLC represents parents in:

• Bay County

• Saginaw County

• Midland County

• Arenac County

• Gladwin County

• Isabella County

• Tuscola County

• Clare County

• Surrounding Mid-Michigan communities

Virtual consultations available.

Need to Object to a Friend of the Court Recommendation? Act Now.

Missing the deadline could permanently affect your custody, parenting time, and support rights. If you disagree with an FOC recommendation, contact Triton Legal PLC immediately.

📞 Call Today

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📍 Triton Legal PLC – Bay City, Michigan

Your time to object is limited—let us help you protect your rights.