Filing a Grievance

Grievance pic

If you have a complaint regarding the actions of employees or operations of the Friend of the Court, you may file a complaint (grievance) (PDF). The grievance procedures do not apply if you disagree with a decision of, or an order issued by a Judge of Referee. Further, the grievance procedures do not apply if you disagree with, or if your complaint is against the opposing party of your case or another third party.


Submit a Grievance

To file a grievance, you must submit your grievance in writing to the Friend of the Court. You may pick up a form from the Friend of the Court office, or you may download the form (PDF).

Once you have completed the form, you may drop the form off at, or mail it to the Friend of the Court office, located at the Eaton County Courthouse, 1045 Independence Blvd., Charlotte, Michigan 48813.

Completing the Grievance Form

When completing the multi-page form (PDF), ensure that you press hard enough that all the forms are filled out and readable. Make sure the form is completely filled out, including:

  • The county
  • The names and addresses of the parties
  • Your case number
  • Your telephone number

Ensure that the correct boxes are checked, the date is filled in, and that you have signed the form. This will assist us in identifying your case. Please specifically state your complaint, providing details, dates, names, and other important and relevant information.

Response to Your Complaint

The Friend of the Court will investigator your complaint and issue a response in a reasonable time. If it is not possible to issue a response within 30 days, you will be notified why the response cannot be issued within that time.

Pursuing Further Action

If you are not satisfied with the response of the Friend of the Court, you may file a further grievance, in writing, to the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge will issue a response to your grievance and issue a response in a reasonable time.

If the Chief Judge finds that it is not possible to issue a response within 30 days, you will be notified why the response cannot be issued within that time.