Friend of the Court Attorney

Macomb County Government • Old Bridge Township, NJ

10d • $73,215 - $94,698 • Onsite

About The Position

Enforces court orders for payment of child support pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan and pursuant to Federal rules and regulations governing the State of Michigan. Appears in open court and arraignment hearings for incarcerated litigants. Provides the Court with factual information regarding domestic relations cases. Provides answer to questions from litigants, attorneys and employees in domestic relations cases and child support enforcement.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• Three (3) years of experience with Friend of the Court procedures and policies or family law, litigation and legal experience
• Current membership and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
• Knowledge of: Domestic relations case law, statutes and the Michigan Rules of Evidence
• Knowledge of Friend of the Court systems, including Michigan Child Support Enforcement System (MiCSES) and OnBase Imaging System
• Knowledge of child support enforcement methodology, legal terminology and Friend of the Court policies and procedures
• Knowledge of office equipment and technology, including personal computers, software programs and internet applications sufficient to research the law, draft memorandums of law, and produce reports
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Negotiation and mediation skills
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with the Elected Officials, Administrators, Department Heads, Circuit Court Family Division, State Bar, litigants, general public and co-workers
• Independent and sound judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions
• Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Ability to conduct meetings, interviews and hearings via virtual video platforms
• Ability to perform job functions with minimal direction
• Ability to work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Ability to effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to work independently

Nice To Haves

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages a caseload and assists the Family Division Bench by enforcing the support, parenting time, and custody provisions of orders issued on domestic relations cases.
• Provides case information and advises parties, attorneys, and third-party custodians and guardians of Friend of the Court policies and procedures.
• Responds to written correspondence as well as in-person, telephone, and other inquiries from parties, Courts, attorneys, and other governmental agencies regarding assigned cases.
• Reviews files to determine if eligible for enforcement and initiates appropriate enforcement action.
• Conducts pre-show cause hearings and represents the Friend of the Court before the Family Division Bench.
• Testifies as needed in felony non-support cases and proceedings before Family Division Bench or Friend of the Court Referees.
• Interprets orders for Friend of the Court staff.
• Maintains statistical data as required for Friend of the Court compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and performance and policy reviews by Management and Circuit Court.
• Interviews arrested parties to obtain necessary information to resolve bench warrants issued by the Family Division.
• Appears on behalf of the Friend of the Court to present bench warrant hearings and waivers of arrearages before the Family Division Bench or Referees.
• Performs legal research using printed legal materials and online legal materials and websites.
• Continues to keep up to date on developments and changes in family law via review of new statutes, professional journals, and legal opinions of state and federal courts.
• Complies with IRS Confidentiality regulations and requirements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• No monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage
• Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level