The trial court erroneously referred this custody case to the Friend of the Court without first determining whether there was proper cause or a change in circumstances that necessitated a review of custody and parenting time, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled.

The trial court in this case properly revoked the father’s paternity to the minor child under the Revocation of Paternity Act (ROPA), the Michigan COA ruled.

The trial court improperly held that the plaintiff forfeited his objections to the FOC referee’s recommendations and went ahead and adopted the referee’s recommendations.

The trial court should have completed an evidentiary hearing before ordering a retroactive modification of the plaintiff’s child-support obligation, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled.

The COA released a published opinion in addressing the "grossly improper" actions of Judge Reader and a Friend of the Court referee in regard to the custody of the parties' child.