The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has announced a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at making Michigan’s domestic relations court proceedings safer, more accessible, and easier to navigate for families, while providing additional support for families exposed to trauma and domestic abuse. Supported by a federal “Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security” (SAVES) grant, the SCAO Friend of the Court Bureau (FOCB) convened a diverse workgroup to reimagine the court process from start to finish, with a focus on improving outcomes for families affected by adversity.
“This pilot project represents a major step forward in making Michigan’s courts safer and more accessible for survivors of trauma and domestic abuse,” said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh. “I applaud our workgroup for the thought and care they have put into this effort, particularly regarding the testing of the informal docket. This will help us create a model that empowers families, reduces harm, and ensures that justice is within reach for everyone.”
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Project overview
The pilot will test an Informal Domestic Relations Docket in four circuit courts: Muskegon (14th); Kent (37th); Allegan (48th); and Montcalm (8th). These sites were selected for their commitment to innovation and their experience addressing domestic abuse and trauma in family law cases.
The informal docket is designed to:
• Make court proceedings more navigable for families involved in domestic relations matters, particularly those affected by trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and domestic abuse.
• Provide safer, less adversarial access to child support and parenting time services.
• Reduce barriers for self-represented parties and those struggling with the effects of trauma.
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Why this matters
Research shows that traditional court processes can be confusing, intimidating, and difficult to navigate for many families, while also potentially re-traumatizing for people exposed to abuse and trauma. Many domestic relations cases involve unrepresented parties who struggle to understand complex legal procedures. When combined with complex legal procedures, trauma can make it even more difficult for survivors to advocate for themselves in court.
The pilot project will address these challenges by:
• Allowing cases to begin on the informal docket, with parties able to opt out if desired.
• Simplifying pleadings and procedures to reduce stress and confusion.
• Limiting adversarial interactions and cross-examination, especially in cases involving domestic abuse.
• Providing additional protections and resources, including trauma-informed approaches and community support.
—————
How it works
All new domestic relations actions (except initial personal protection orders) will start on the informal docket.
Parties may request removal to the traditional docket at any time, ensuring due process and flexibility.
Judges may consolidate cases to reduce the burden on parties who are participating in more than one court case at the same time.
Procedures are simplified: formal rules of pleading and evidence are relaxed, and parties are encouraged to use standardized forms.
Trials and hearings are conducted in a less adversarial, trauma-informed manner, with the court actively guiding the process and protecting vulnerable parties.
—————
Evaluation and next steps
The National Center for State Courts will independently evaluate the pilot’s effectiveness, drawing on experience from similar projects in other states. The pilot will inform future policy, court rule, and other changes to better serve Michigan families.
For additional information about the pilot project, participating courts, or the SAVES grant, visit the website at www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/offices/friend-of-the-court-bureau.
“This pilot project represents a major step forward in making Michigan’s courts safer and more accessible for survivors of trauma and domestic abuse,” said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh. “I applaud our workgroup for the thought and care they have put into this effort, particularly regarding the testing of the informal docket. This will help us create a model that empowers families, reduces harm, and ensures that justice is within reach for everyone.”
—————
Project overview
The pilot will test an Informal Domestic Relations Docket in four circuit courts: Muskegon (14th); Kent (37th); Allegan (48th); and Montcalm (8th). These sites were selected for their commitment to innovation and their experience addressing domestic abuse and trauma in family law cases.
The informal docket is designed to:
• Make court proceedings more navigable for families involved in domestic relations matters, particularly those affected by trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and domestic abuse.
• Provide safer, less adversarial access to child support and parenting time services.
• Reduce barriers for self-represented parties and those struggling with the effects of trauma.
—————
Why this matters
Research shows that traditional court processes can be confusing, intimidating, and difficult to navigate for many families, while also potentially re-traumatizing for people exposed to abuse and trauma. Many domestic relations cases involve unrepresented parties who struggle to understand complex legal procedures. When combined with complex legal procedures, trauma can make it even more difficult for survivors to advocate for themselves in court.
The pilot project will address these challenges by:
• Allowing cases to begin on the informal docket, with parties able to opt out if desired.
• Simplifying pleadings and procedures to reduce stress and confusion.
• Limiting adversarial interactions and cross-examination, especially in cases involving domestic abuse.
• Providing additional protections and resources, including trauma-informed approaches and community support.
—————
How it works
All new domestic relations actions (except initial personal protection orders) will start on the informal docket.
Parties may request removal to the traditional docket at any time, ensuring due process and flexibility.
Judges may consolidate cases to reduce the burden on parties who are participating in more than one court case at the same time.
Procedures are simplified: formal rules of pleading and evidence are relaxed, and parties are encouraged to use standardized forms.
Trials and hearings are conducted in a less adversarial, trauma-informed manner, with the court actively guiding the process and protecting vulnerable parties.
—————
Evaluation and next steps
The National Center for State Courts will independently evaluate the pilot’s effectiveness, drawing on experience from similar projects in other states. The pilot will inform future policy, court rule, and other changes to better serve Michigan families.
For additional information about the pilot project, participating courts, or the SAVES grant, visit the website at www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/offices/friend-of-the-court-bureau.
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