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The FOC 39 form plays a crucial role in Michigan's family court system, serving as a comprehensive questionnaire that gathers relevant information from parents involved in support and custody cases. This document addresses various aspects, including personal demographics, income sources, and medical or educational backgrounds. It provides space to report essential details, such as children's names and birth dates, financial data related to employment, and child-care expenses. More importantly, it includes inquiries about the parent's ability to provide support, health insurance coverage, and any other obligations like spousal support that may influence the case. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is pivotal, as it will directly impact the court’s assessment and recommendations regarding child support, custody, and parenting time. By organizing these vital components, the FOC 39 ensures that both parents can present their circumstances clearly and fairly, promoting an informed decision-making process that centers on the best interests of the child.

Foc 39 Example

Approved, SCAO

STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY

FRIEND OF THE COURT CASE QUESTIONNAIRE

(Page 1)

CASE NO.

Friend of the court address

Telephone no.

Plaintiff

v

Defendant

Complete this form and sign on page 4.

YOUR GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Your full name

 

 

 

 

 

2. Date of birth

 

3.

Place of birth: city and state

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Address

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

Zip

 

5.

Home telephone

6. Work telephone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Social security number

8. Driver’s license no.

 

 

9. Professional license, type and no.

 

 

 

10. Cell phone

 

11. E-mail address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Sex

 

13. Eye color

 

14. Hair color

 

15. Height

16. Weight

17. Race

 

18. Scars, tattoos, etc.

M

F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Your father’s full name

 

 

 

 

 

 

20. Your mother’s full maiden name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21. Children in common with other parent in this case

Birthdate Gender

SSN Anticipated graduation date

No. of overnights you have w/child annually

22.Names of other biological/adopted minor children you support Birthdate Address

23.Are you pregnant? a. When is the child due? b. Is the other party in this case the biological parent of the expected child? 24. Are you presently married?

Yes

No

 

Yes

No

Yes

No

YOUR INCOME, MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

25. Your occupation

26. Your employer (if unemployed, name of last employer)

27. Employer’s address

City

State

Zip

28. Date hired

29.

Gross earnings per pay period (earnings before taxes)

 

 

 

30. Filing status

 

dependents claimed

 

$

weekly

biweekly

bimonthly

monthly

married

 

single

head of household

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.

Hourly pay rate (including shift premium and

32. Total regular hours worked per pay period

 

33. Average overtime hours for past 12

 

COLA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34.

Second job

 

 

 

 

35. Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36. Employer’s address

City

State

Zip

37. Date hired

38. Gross earnings per pay period (earnings before taxes)

 

 

$

weekly

biweekly

bimonthly

monthly

39. Hourly pay rate

40.Average hours worked per pay period since hire date

41. If unemployed and not receiving unemployment or worker’s compensation benefits, or working part-time only, provide the following information:

Name of last full-time employer

Address of last full-time employer

Postition held at last place of full-time employment

Last day employed full-time

Length of time employed in last full-time position

Reason for leaving last full-time employment

Gross earings per pay period (earnings before taxes)

 

 

$

weekly

biweekly

bimonthly

monthly

FOC 39 (6/17) FRIEND OF THE COURT - CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 1)

Approved, SCAO

STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY

FRIEND OF THE COURT CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 2)

CASE NO.

YOUR INCOME, MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION (continued)

42. List MONTHLY income from all other sources, such as:

 

 

Commissions

 

Unemp. Benefits

 

Nat’l Guard & Res. Drill Pay

Bonuses

 

Strike Pay

 

Armed Services

Profit Sharing

 

SUB Pay

 

Allowance for Rent

Interest

 

Sick Benefits

 

Rental Income

Dividends

 

Workers’ Comp.

 

Spousal Support/Alimony

Annuities

 

Soc. Sec. Benefits

 

State Disability Assistance

Pensions/Longevity

 

VA Benefits

 

F I P

Deferred Comp./IRA

 

Disability Insurance

 

Supp. Security Income SSI

Trust Funds

 

GI Benefits

 

Other

43. Do you have any spousal support/alimony orders involving another person not a parent in this case?

 

If so, complete a. b. and c.

No

Yes, as payer

Yes, as recipient

 

 

 

 

a. Amount of order (do not include arrearages)

b. Type of order/Case no.

 

c. City, county, and state

 

 

 

 

 

44. Do any of the children listed on item 21 and 22 receive payments from the Social Security Administration?

Yes

No

Child’s

Name

Amount

(monthly)

Type of benefit (check one)

SSI

Dependent benefit

 

 

Source of dependent benefit (mother, father, stepparent)

45.Attach your four most recent paycheck stubs, or a statement from your employer(s) of wages and deductions, and year-to-date earnings, and a copy of your last federal and state income tax returns, including all schedules. If self-employed, also attach a copy of your three most recent business tax returns and/or corporation returns.

46.Do you have any medical conditions/restrictions that affect your ability to work?

 

If yes, please explain medical condition/restriction:

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

47.

What is your educational background? (Check one)

 

 

 

 

less than high school

High school graduate

Trade school graduate

 

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate degree

48.

Medical insurance company name, address, telephone no.

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

 

 

 

 

 

49.

Dental insurance company name, address, telephone no.

 

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

 

 

 

 

50.

Optical insurance company name, address, telephone no.

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

51. What dependent coverage is available to you without cost?

Medical

Dental

Optical

52. What dependent coverage is available by payment of an additional premium? (Specify cost per pay period.)

 

 

 

Medical

 

per

Dental

per

Optical

 

per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53. Individuals currently covered by your insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Birthdate

Relationship

Medical ( )

Dental ( ) Optical ( )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOC 39 (6/17) FRIEND OF THE COURT - CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 2)

Approved, SCAO

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

 

FRIEND OF THE COURT

 

CASE NO.

 

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASE QUESTIONNAIRE

 

 

 

COUNTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Page 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR CHILD-CARE INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54. Do you have child-care expenses for the minor children in this domestic relations case during any time of the year?

Yes

No

If yes, complete the following information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of child-care provider

 

 

 

Names of children receiving child care

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of weeks provided during last calendar year

 

Estimated number of weeks of child care provided in this calendar year

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current weekly child-care cost.

Amount of child-care credit received on last year’s federal I.R.S. tax return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does a federal or state agency or a public or private entity contribute all or a portion of the cost of child-care services? If yes, please explain.

55.

Check the reason(s) which explain why you need child care and estimate the number of hours child care is received for each.

 

Reason

 

Estimated number of hours per week

 

 

 

Work related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for employment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enrolled in educational program to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

improve employment opportunities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56.

If your reason for child care is education related, provide the following information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of educational institution

 

Total classroom hours per week

 

Educational goal

 

Projected graduation date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

57. List any additional information about you or the other parent that would be useful to the court in making a support recommendation. For example: education, disability, or work history.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE OTHER PARENT IN THIS CASE (if known)

58.

Full name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59. Date of birth

 

 

60. Place of birth: city and state

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61. Address

 

 

 

City

 

State

 

Zip

62. Home telephone

63. Work telephone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

64.

Social security number

65. Driver’s license number

 

66. Professional license, type, and no.

67. Cell phone

68. E-mail address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69.

Sex

 

70. Eye color

 

71. Hair color

72. Height

 

73. Weight

 

74. Race

 

75. Scars, tattoos, etc.

 

 

M

F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76.

Father’s full name

 

 

 

 

 

 

77. Mother’s full maiden name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78.

Names of other biological/adopted minor children he/she supports

 

Birthdate

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

79.

Is this party pregnant? a. When is the child due? b. Is the party in this case the biological parent of the expected child?

80. Is this party married?

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

81.

Occupation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

82. Employer (if unemployed, name of last employer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83.

Employer’s address

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

 

 

 

Zip

84. Date hired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85.

Gross earnings per pay period (earnings before taxes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

86. Average overtime hours for past 12 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOC 39 (6/17) FRIEND OF THE COURT - CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 3)

Approved, SCAO

STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY

FRIEND OF THE COURT CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 4)

CASE NO.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE OTHER PARENT IN THIS CASE (continued)

87.

Medical insurance company name, address, telephone no.

 

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88.

Dental insurance company name, address, telephone no.

 

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.

Optical insurance company name, address, telephone no.

 

Policy/Group number

Beginning date, if known

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90.

What dependent coverage is available to the other parent without cost?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical

 

Dental

Optical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

91.

What dependent coverage is available by payment of an additional premium? (Specify cost per pay period.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical

 

per

Dental

per

Optical

 

per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

92.

Individuals currently covered by other parent’s insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

Birthdate

Relationship

Medical ( )

Dental ( ) Optical ( )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want friend of the court services, you must check the box below.

I request child-support services pursuant to the child-support enforcement program of Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.

I declare that the information in this questionnaire is true to the best of my information, knowledge, and belief.

Date

 

Signature

Reminder List

Have you signed this questionnaire?

Have you completed item 21 regarding the number of overnights you have with the child annually? Failure to specify will result in the friend of the court estimating the number of overnights.

Have you attached your four most recent paycheck stubs, or a statement from your employer(s) of wages and deductions and year-to-date earnings?

Have you attached a copy of your last federal and state income tax returns, including all schedules, W-2s, and 1099s? If self-employed, also attach a copy of your three most recent business tax returns and/or corporation returns.

Attach any additional information that may be useful to the friend of the court in making a support recommendation. Make sure you use enough postage to cover these additional items.

Have you attached the Child Care Verification (form FOC 39e) if you are asking for reimbursement of child-care expenses?

Make a copy of this form for your own records.

Send the original form, completed and signed, to the friend of the court office.

FOC 39 (6/17) FRIEND OF THE COURT - CASE QUESTIONNAIRE (Page 4)

Form Characteristics

Fact Title Details
Document Purpose The FOC 39 form serves as a case questionnaire for individuals involved in Friend of the Court proceedings in Michigan. It collects comprehensive information related to parties and children, ultimately aiding in support recommendations.
Required Information Individuals must provide personal details, income information, and any child care expenses. Accurate completion is essential for effective processing of support cases.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Michigan Compiled Laws, particularly those concerning domestic relations and child support under the Michigan Friend of the Court Act.
Submission Requirements Parties must sign the form and submit it to the designated Friend of the Court office. Submission of additional documents, such as recent paycheck stubs and tax returns, is also required for verification purposes.

Guidelines on Utilizing Foc 39

Once you have gathered the necessary information, filling out the FOC 39 form is straightforward. Carefully follow each step to ensure that all sections are complete and accurate.

  1. Begin with your general information by entering your full name, date of birth, and place of birth on the top of the form.
  2. Fill in your home address, home and work telephone numbers, and email address.
  3. Provide your Social Security number, driver's license number, professional license type and number, and cell phone number.
  4. Indicate your sex, eye color, hair color, height, weight, and race. Include any identifying features, such as scars or tattoos.
  5. List your father's full name and your mother's full maiden name.
  6. Provide details about your children, including their birthdates, gender, Social Security numbers, anticipated graduation dates, and the number of overnights you have with them annually.
  7. If applicable, note any biological or adopted minor children you support, along with their birthdates and addresses.
  8. Answer questions about current pregnancy, marital status, and employment situation. Include your occupation and employer's details, or the last employer if you are unemployed.
  9. Disclose your gross earnings per pay period and your filing status with dependents claimed.
  10. List your earnings from any second job, if applicable.
  11. Report monthly income from all other sources, such as commissions or benefits.
  12. Indicate if you have any spousal support orders and provide relevant details if applicable.
  13. Attach your four most recent paychecks or income statements, plus your last federal and state income tax returns, including schedules.
  14. Fill in details regarding your educational background and medical insurance information.
  15. Provide information about any childcare expenses, including the name of the childcare provider and costs.
  16. Enter any additional information that might help the court.
  17. Fill out the information regarding the other parent involved in this case as best as you can if known.
  18. Check the box requesting child-support services if needed, sign the questionnaire, and ensure the date is filled in.
  19. Review the checklist at the end to confirm that you’ve signed and attached all necessary documents.

After completing the form, make a copy for your records. Send the original, signed form to the friend of the court office, ensuring you have enough postage for any additional documents you’re including.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the FOC 39 form used for?

The FOC 39 form is a questionnaire used by the Friend of the Court in Michigan. Its main purpose is to gather necessary information about parents involved in a child support case. The information helps the court make informed decisions regarding child support, custody, and related matters.

Who needs to fill out the FOC 39 form?

Both parents involved in a case regarding child support or child custody need to complete the FOC 39 form. This includes any person who has legal responsibilities toward the child, like biological or adoptive parents.

What kind of information do I need to provide on the form?

Your personal information is required, such as your name, address, and contact details. You will also need to include details about your employment, income, medical benefits, and any childcare expenses. If applicable, similar information about the other parent will also be collected.

Is the FOC 39 form confidential?

While the unique details you provide are generally kept private, your information will be accessible by the court and relevant parties involved in your case. Therefore, it is important to be truthful and complete while providing your information.

What happens if I don't fill out the FOC 39 form?

Not submitting the FOC 39 form could delay your case. The court may not have enough information to make decisions regarding support or custody, which could ultimately affect the outcome of your situation.

How do I submit the FOC 39 form?

After completing and signing the form, you should send it to the Friend of the Court office in your county. Make sure to attach any required documents, such as your paycheck stubs and tax returns, and ensure sufficient postage is provided for any additional items.

Are there any documents I need to attach when submitting the FOC 39 form?

Yes, you will need to attach your four most recent paycheck stubs or a statement from your employer. Additionally, include your last federal and state income tax returns, all schedules, and if you are self-employed, attach your most recent business tax returns. If you have childcare expenses, include the Child Care Verification (form FOC 39e).

Can I make changes to the FOC 39 form after submitting it?

If you need to make changes after submission, you can usually do so. However, it is best to contact the Friend of the Court directly to understand the proper process for amendments to ensure that your information is current.

What should I do if I have questions while filling out the FOC 39 form?

If you have questions while completing the form, consider reaching out to the Friend of the Court office in your county. They can provide guidance on filling out the form accurately and help clarify any confusion.

Common mistakes

When completing the FOC 39 form, individuals often encounter several common pitfalls that can lead to complications in their case. One frequent mistake is failing to provide complete or accurate personal information in the general information section. In particular, neglecting to include a full name, date of birth, or accurate social security number can result in delays. These details are crucial for the court to verify identity and assess eligibility for services.

Another common error is not being thorough when listing income sources. Many people might overlook including all sources of income, such as commissions, bonuses, or self-employment earnings. This can lead to an incomplete financial picture, which may ultimately affect the support computations and outcomes. Thoroughness in detailing this information is essential for transparency.

Individuals sometimes fail to attach required documentation to the form. The FOC 39 requires the attachment of recent paycheck stubs and tax returns. Missing these documents can halt the processing of the case. It's critical to double-check that all necessary paperwork is included before submission.

Inaccuracies in reporting child-related information can also cause issues. Some contributors may misreport the number of overnights they have with their child annually, leading to the court making assumptions that do not reflect reality. Properly stating this information can significantly impact custody and support arrangements, making meticulousness necessary.

Participants may also overlook providing complete details about their health insurance coverage or that of the other parent. By failing to answer questions regarding insurance adequately, individuals risk leaving the court without essential information about available medical resources. This can affect health-related considerations in support cases.

Another mistake involves neglecting to answer questions regarding other children supported. If individuals fail to disclose financial responsibilities to other children, the court may not factor these obligations into their financial analysis. Providing comprehensive details about dependents ensures accurate consideration of support capabilities.

Some individuals may forget to sign the form before submitting it. A missing signature renders the submission invalid. It is vital to review each page to ensure all necessary signatures are present.

Finally, individuals may neglect to keep copies of the completed form. Failing to retain a copy prevents individuals from tracking what information has been submitted or providing reference for future follow-ups. It is advisable to maintain a personal record of all documentation provided to the court.

Documents used along the form

The FOC 39 form, known as the Friend of the Court Case Questionnaire, is an essential document in family court proceedings, particularly in child support and custody cases in Michigan. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all relevant factors concerning the case. Below is a list of additional forms that are commonly used in conjunction with the FOC 39 form.

  • Child Care Verification (Form FOC 39e): This form provides detailed information about child care expenses incurred for minor children. It helps establish the legitimacy and amount of child care costs, which can be a factor in support calculations.
  • Income Verification Forms: These forms require documentation of income from all sources. Commonly included are recent pay stubs, tax returns, and any other proof of income to ensure accurate financial assessments in court.
  • Fight for Your Rights Packet: This packet contains information and resources for parents about their rights and responsibilities during custody and support proceedings. It helps individuals navigate the court system effectively.
  • Standardized Parenting Time Form: This document outlines the proposed schedule for parenting time, which is important for determining custody arrangements. The form seeks input from both parents and may be reviewed by the court to facilitate the best outcomes for the children involved.

Completing and submitting the FOC 39 form along with the accompanying documents is crucial for a comprehensive review of your case. These forms ensure that the court has accurate and pertinent information to make informed decisions that serve the best interest of the children and all parties involved.

Similar forms

  • FOC 40 Form: This is another form used by the Friend of the Court, focusing on child support. It collects details about income, expenses, and financial needs similar to the FOC 39, but is specifically aimed at establishing child support payments.
  • Child Custody Affidavit: This document gathers information about living arrangements and interactions between parents and children. Like the FOC 39, it emphasizes the family’s dynamics and individual circumstances.
  • Financial Disclosure Statement: This form offers a detailed view of an individual’s financial situation, including income and assets. It parallels the FOC 39 in that it requires comprehensive financial details for legal assessments.
  • Parenting Time Statement: Similar to the FOC 39, this document provides information about a parent’s time spent with their children. It helps to clarify custody and visitation issues based on actual parenting time.
  • Request for Support Services: This form is filled out to seek support services, collecting general information about the requestor's circumstances. The intent aligns with FOC 39 as both forms gather essential data relevant to family law matters.
  • Child Support Guidelines Review Form: This document requests an official evaluation of existing child support orders. It requires financial disclosure akin to the FOC 39, ensuring relevant financial data is presented for review.
  • Affidavit of Financial Status: This affidavit is used during proceedings to show a party's financial circumstances. It shares a similarity with the FOC 39 by requiring a full range of personal and financial information to support legal decisions.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the FOC 39 form is an important task that requires attention to detail. Recognizing what to do and what to avoid can streamline the process and ensure that your information is accurately represented. Here are four tips to help you successfully complete the form:

  • Do ensure accuracy. Double-check all entries to avoid mistakes, as inaccurate information can delay your case.
  • Do attach necessary documents. Include your most recent paycheck stubs and tax returns as required, ensuring your application is complete.
  • Don't leave fields blank. If a question does not apply, indicate "N/A" instead. This shows that you haven't overlooked the question.
  • Don't rush through the process. Take your time to read each section carefully. A rushed form can lead to errors that may be costly or time-consuming to fix.

By following these simple dos and don'ts, you can make the process of completing the FOC 39 form more efficient and effective. Pay attention, and your effort will pay off!

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The FOC 39 form is optional.
  • Many people believe that completing the FOC 39 form is not mandatory. However, it is essential for those who wish to receive assistance from the friend of the court regarding child support and custody issues. Failure to submit it may delay processes or hinder support enforcement.

  • Misconception 2: Only one party needs to complete the form.
  • Some individuals think that only one parent needs to fill out the FOC 39 form. In reality, both parents may be required to submit this form to provide a complete picture of the family's financial situation and needs.

  • Misconception 3: The information on the form is not confidential.
  • It is a common misconception that the details provided in the FOC 39 form can be shared publicly. In fact, the information remains confidential and is used strictly for legal purposes related to child support, custody, and related matters.

  • Misconception 4: Completing the FOC 39 guarantees a specific outcome.
  • Many individuals believe that filling out the FOC 39 form will automatically result in receiving the desired support or custody arrangement. While the form plays a crucial role, the outcome depends on various factors considered by the court.

  • Misconception 5: You can submit the form without proper documentation.
  • Some may think they can submit the FOC 39 form without including necessary documentation. However, it is imperative to attach required documents, such as recent pay stubs and tax returns, as these help substantiate the information provided.

  • Misconception 6: The FOC 39 form is only for low-income families.
  • A prevalent belief is that only low-income households need to fill out the FOC 39 form. On the contrary, this form is applicable to families of all income levels, as it collects vital information that the court uses to assess each case on its own merits.

Key takeaways

The FOC 39 form, a vital document for individuals involved in domestic relations cases in Michigan, requires careful attention. Here are some key takeaways to consider when filling it out:

  • Be thorough with personal information. Ensure every section is accurately completed. Missing data may lead to delays or complications in your case.
  • Provide financial details. Include current income, any additional sources, and spousal support obligations. This information is crucial for determining child support and other financial responsibilities.
  • Document your coverage. Include comprehensive information about medical, dental, and optical insurance. Specify who is covered under these plans and any costs associated.
  • Attach supporting documents. Don't forget to include the required attachments, such as paycheck stubs and tax returns. These validate your reported income and financial situation.
  • Review and retain a copy. Double-check your completed form for any errors and keep a copy for your records. Also, ensure you sign the declaration before submitting it to avoid complications.