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Governor's Declaration of Disaster

Ottawa County Friend of the Court

To administer justice and restore wholeness in a manner that inspires public trust.

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Department Overview

The Friend of the Court Office is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division (herein referred to as "Family Court") and is responsible for protecting the rights and interests of the children in domestic relations matters. The Friend of the Court Office has the following statutory duties:
  • To investigate, report, and recommend to the Family Court which parent should have custody of minor children.
  • To enforce all child support orders, including medical support orders, entered by the Family Court.
  • To insure that children's rights to parenting time with the non-custodial parents are protected, and to enforce parenting time rights ordered by the Family Court when parenting time is denied.

Jennell L. Challa
Friend of the Court
Matthew J. Schmid, Assistant Friend of the Court - Field Services
Kathy E. Winston,
Assistant Friend of the Court - Internal Operations

Main Office

414 Washington Avenue
Room 225
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(ATM on 2nd Floor)
Grand Haven Phone:
(616) 846-8210
Grand Rapids Phone:
(616) 662-6060
FAX: (616) 846-8128

Interpreter Services:
(616) 846-8320
Mon: 7:30am - 5:30pm
(No Appointment Needed)
Tues - Fri: 7:30am - 5:00pm
(Appointment Needed)

Holland Office

12185 James St.
Suite 170
Holland, MI 49424
Wednesday:
8:30am - 12:00pm
& 1:00pm - 4:30pm
No appointment needed