Get the Book the Judges Use

Prepared by ICLE for the SCAO, the Michigan Family Law Benchbook covers the family law matters that judges address. Written from the judge's perspective, it includes handy charts and scripts, along with concise summaries of the law.

With this book, you will be able to:

• Hone your advocacy skills in divorce matters with tips from judges from around the state
• Work more effectively with the Friend of the Court staff
• Advise your clients using the child custody "decision tree" designed by and for judges
• Handle paternity and parenting time issues with the benefit of judicial advice
• See how a judge might evaluate spousal support factors
• Apply complex Michigan and federal Indian child welfare laws

Highlights of the latest update include:

• New legislation amending the Revocation of Parentage Act, the Acknowledgment of Parentage Act, and other related statutes
• Updates to the Michigan Child Support Formula for 2025
• Amendments to name change legislation (MCL 711.1)
• A Michigan Supreme Court case addressing child custody and established custodial environment
• Michigan Court of Appeals cases discussing child custody, parentage, jurisdiction, child protective proceedings, minor guardianships, and child support