Kent County Friend of Court

I firmly believe there is corruption within the FOC and there needs to be a thorough investigation with some of the judges, referees, and secretaries. Just because the judges and attorneys have a degree in law, doesn't mean they get to "INTERPRET" that as meaning a law unto themselves. Our family was so disgusted with what we saw taking place that we wanted to file a formal complaint against one of the referees. The secretary WARNED us that if we filed (OUR LIVES WOULD BE IN DANGER!) She then went on to say that we didn't hear that from her, and if we ever mentioned her name, she would lie and deny it. RED FLAGS are going up!!! I know 1/2 a dozen women that have been victimized by this court. Their cases purposely drag on for years so that the court makes more revenue. If anything, this court seems to favor abusive men or men that will pay $$$ to the court for under the table favors. It is sickening when you see an abuser brag about his special courtroom favors and then the male referee wipes away $10,000 of past arrearages. When you call the FOC, the majority of the women that answer the phones are so unprofessional. They are not only rude and condescending but just plain arrogant. I also find it ironic that you are not allowed to even bring a voice recorder in the court room. Do they not want people to know what really goes on behind closed doors? Or do they just want to use it as another way of bringing in more cash by charging either party $1.60 - $2.50 per printed page of court room notes? The longer the case, the longer the transcript. When I called to inquire about obtaining a transcript from a specific court date, I was told it would cost $206.00. I asked her where I could pay and she told me to meet her in a hallway by the elevator. Huh? Then I inquired about a formal receipt. She said they don't give receipts. Ok, she wants to do a cash transaction in the hallway by an elevator and no receipt! RED FLAGS ARE GOING UP AGAIN!!! Again, this is only skimming the service with the garbage that is taking place in this so called court of law and how they discriminate against the female gender!!!
9 years ago (04-10-2017)

This is the most racist group of people you can deal with. They are also incompetent would give -5 if I could. I have switched agents from racist Doug shoemaker who retired to David Jones. David Jones doesn't do his job promised me and mother of my child to send paperwork in mail. Been w months no call back or paperwork or nothing. The state should shut this place down. Even talked to supervisors does no good. If you could get case transferred to different county you should, especially if you are black. This office is full of ungodly racist criminals that lie and will try to mess up any black family they can.
9 years ago (07-07-2017)

If you could give negative stars that would be what I would give. These people don't give a crap if you receive your child support or not. They get their pay check, that's all that matters to them. My daughter is 21 and her biological father hasn't seen her since she was 2 and is over 23,000 behind in child support. I have written letters with no response, I have called and get to talk to the receptionist most of the time. I have no idea who my caseworker is and haven't for many years. If I'm lucky enough to get connected to a worker, it's their voicemail and I never get a call back. A few years ago, the friend of the court made contact with the city he lives in and had a bench warrant put out for him for 200.00 They suspend and reinstate his drivers license like its no big deal and have not followed through on any criminal charges. I have reached out to the Prosecuting attorney in Grand Rapids and I get told you have to file a complaint with Friend of the Court. They don't get off their A** and collect now, what makes the prosecutor think they will take a complaint seriously??
9 years ago (28-04-2017)

I have called multiple times and I am just trying to understand what is going on with my case as it appears that there in an error on their end. They are rude and just act annoyed. They have money that is owed to me however they cannot seem to say where it is going etc...How fair is that? All I ask is to be treated like an actual human being. The point of calling them and waiting on hold forever is to try and resolve a situation. I was not rude one bit but all they did was act annoyed with me. Seriously ridiculous.
9 years ago (03-07-2017)

The people are rude and the caseworkers are trying to make you pay a arm and a leg even though you don't have it. They act like they understand the struggle that we go thru. Then if you don't pay what they want they send you to jail. This is how the government treat American People. Shame
9 years ago (11-08-2017)