Access to FOC Records
ACCESS TO FOC RECORDS
Federal and State laws prohibit us from sharing your case and personal information with others except under certain rare circumstances. The Michigan Court Rules allow certain individuals, including the parties, access to non-confidential FOC records. These individuals include: a party to a case, a court-ordered third-party custodian, a court-ordered Guardian Ad Litem, or an attorney of record.
Records may be personally inspected, relayed by a FOC employee reading the request information in person or over the phone, or copies can be provided upon receipt by the FOC of the necessary copying fee.
The following individuals may also have access to FOC records, which includes some confidential records, in order to perform their assigned duties as prescribed by law: Federal and State laws prohibit us from sharing your case and personal information with others except under certain rare circumstances. The Michigan Court Rules allow certain individuals, including the parties, access to non-confidential FOC records. These individuals include: a party to a case, a court-ordered third-party custodian, a court-ordered Guardian Ad Litem, or an attorney of record.
Records may be personally inspected, relayed by a FOC employee reading the request information in person or over the phone, or copies can be provided upon receipt by the FOC of the necessary copying fee.
- Child Protective Service staff investigating allegations of neglect or abuse;
- Michigan Office of Child Support and MDHHS, as well as prosecuting attorney staff, performing functions required by Title IV- D of the Social Security Act.
- Auditors from state and federal agencies performing audit functions; and
- Personnel assigned to carry out Title IV-D program functions, including but not limited to consumer credit reporting, reporting TANF collections to the IV-A agency, and providing notice to employers to affect income withholding. Use and disclosure of any information for purposes other than carrying out IV-D program functions is prohibited.
A written Access to FOC Records form, or other suitable writing, verifying the requester’s eligibility for access, and clearly specifying the records to be accessed shall be submitted to the FOC. The FOC shall determine, within five business days of receipt of the request, if the request will be honored or denied, in full or in part, and shall communicate that determination in writing to the requesting party.
The following documents are excluded from access: staff notes, child protective services reports, formal mediation records, communication from minors, FOC grievances filed by the opposing party and the responses, any information the release of which is prohibited by court order, and information classified as confidential under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
The following documents are excluded from access: staff notes, child protective services reports, formal mediation records, communication from minors, FOC grievances filed by the opposing party and the responses, any information the release of which is prohibited by court order, and information classified as confidential under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
Any denial of information shall include the reasons for denial. Any person denied access to FOC records may file a motion an order for access with the Judge assigned to the case, or if none, the Chief Judge.
Copies of Court Orders
Copies of court orders are available through the County Clerks Office. You can contact the Clare County Clerk’s Office at (989) 539-7131 for information on obtaining court orders.
Freedom of Information Requests
FOC records are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). See MCL 15.232(h)(iv)
Copies of Court Orders
Copies of court orders are available through the County Clerks Office. You can contact the Clare County Clerk’s Office at (989) 539-7131 for information on obtaining court orders.
Freedom of Information Requests
FOC records are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). See MCL 15.232(h)(iv)