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Carmee Murphy
Attorney
Carmee Murphy graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2002 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2005. Ms. Murphy has 20 years of experience in civil litigation. From 2014 to 2017, Ms. Murphy was selected to the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list, and in 2019, selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. Since 2017, Ms. Murphy has advised and assisted solo practitioners and law firms in civil proceedings in a variety of state and federal jurisdictions.
This form, the FOC 39 Friend of the Court Case Questionnaire, is typically needed in the process of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support arrangements in Michigan. You might encounter this form after initiating a domestic relations case related to child custody, visitation, or support.
- Before completing this form, parties usually start by filing a complaint for divorce, a separate maintenance action, or a motion for child support modification.
- The need for FOC 39 is often triggered by a court order or at the request of the Friend of the Court for gathering detailed financial and personal information to determine child support obligations.
- Another instance that necessitates this form is when there is a change in financial circumstances, prompting a review of existing support arrangements.
Once completed, this form provides the court with comprehensive data about each party's financial status, childcare expenses, and insurance details, aiding in the fair determination of support orders. It is often essential to accompany this form with income proofs like pay stubs and tax returns, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the legal process.
1. Complete the Form: Fill out all sections of the FOC 39 Friend of the Court Case Questionnaire, ensuring all personal, income, and child-related details are accurate and complete.
2. Attach Required Documents: Include all necessary attachments such as your recent paycheck stubs, tax returns, and the Child Care Verification form if applicable.
3. Sign the Form: Make sure to sign the questionnaire to validate your information under penalty of perjury.
4. Submit the Form: Send the completed form along with all attachments to the local Friend of the Court office in the county where your case is being handled.
5. Retain a Copy: Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments for your personal records.
Children Info
Ensure to include all children you have in common with the other parent, along with their full names, birthdates, and current grade level. Accurately estimate the number of overnights per year as this can impact child support calculations.
Pay Frequency
Indicate how often you receive your gross earnings (e.g., weekly, biweekly), as this will help establish your income accurately. This is crucial for calculating support obligations.
Spousal Support Orders
If you have existing spousal support/alimony orders involving someone other than the other party in this case, note them here. Provide the specific case number and location, as these could affect your financial liabilities.
Child Social Security
Report accurately if any children receive benefits from the Social Security Administration. Knowing if the benefit is from SSI or a dependent benefit is important for support evaluation.
Child-Care Expenses
Include the details of any child-care costs you pay for children involved in this case. Be prepared to support this with documentation, as it can influence the support order.
Reason for Child Care
Clearly state why child care is needed and approximate hours per week, as this information is used to assess how child-care expenses should be factored into the support recommendations.
Additional Info
Provide any relevant background information that could assist in making a support determination, such as details regarding education, disabilities, or employment challenges. This is your opportunity to present any factors that may not be covered by the form but could impact the case.
Insurance Coverage Costs
List the cost per pay period for any additional premiums required for dependent insurance coverage. This helps account for how much you're paying out-of-pocket, which may affect financial assessments.
1
Ensure all documentation, such as recent paycheck stubs, tax returns, and any additional information requested by the FOC, are included with the form.
2
Mail or deliver the original signed form to the appropriate Friend of the Court office in the county where your case is filed.
3
Wait for a confirmation or response from the Friend of the Court, which will provide information on your case status or any further actions required.
4
If you have requested child-support services, monitor any communication from the Friend of the Court regarding the processing of your request.
5
Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments in your personal records for future reference or follow-up inquiries.
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The information provided on this website/page is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the author and any readers or users of this content.
