Contact

Friend of the Court
203 S Niles Street Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269) 657-7734
Email: focmail@vanburencountymi.gov

Department Documents

Friend of the Court

The 36th Judicial Circuit Court Friend of the Court office strives to provide unbiased, professional, courteous services and educational information in accordance with federal and state laws. We respond to the sensitive issues of custody, parenting time, and child support while respecting the rights and dignity of all persons. We work together with you to promote the best interests of the child.

Van Buren County Friend of the Court

Resources

2026 Notice - Friend of the Court Annual Statutory Review
Alternative Ways to Conduct Business with the Courts
Statement from the Michigan Supreme Court on Children's Matters
Tax Refund Offset Program

Finding the Friend of the Court

A single-story brick building features a gabled roof with a white overhang. The front displays the text "Van Buren County Friend of the Court" prominently above the entrance. There are several windows with white shutters on either side of the entrance. A bench is positioned near the entrance, and a green utility box is visible on the sidewalk. Surrounding the building are trees and a grassy area, with a street and parked vehicles in the foreground.

image of the Friend of the Court building as seen from South Niles Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

The image shows the exterior of a building with a sloped roof and a combination of white siding and brick. Prominently displayed above the entrance is a sign that reads "Van Buren County Friend of the Court." Above the sign is a circular emblem featuring a coat of arms. The entrance has a door with a sign indicating "EMPLOYEE ENTRANCE ONLY" and "Public Entrance." The building number "203" is visible on a column next to the door. Surrounding the building are trees and greenery.

image of the Friend of the Court building as seen from South Niles Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

A single-story building features a combination of red brick and white siding. The front has a peaked roof with shingles, and the entrance is marked by a sign that reads "Van Buren County Friend of the Court." Windows with white shutters line the front, and there is a small bench near the entrance. A utility pole stands nearby, and a green utility box is positioned on the sidewalk. The surrounding area has grass and a concrete path leading to the building.

image of the Friend of the Court building as seen from South Niles Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

A single-story brick building features a flat roof with dark shingles. The main entrance, marked "PUBLIC ENTRANCE," is a black door with a small window. To the right, a gray vehicle is parked in a lot with yellow-lined spaces. In the background, evergreen trees are visible, along with a clock tower peeking above the roofline. The parking area has a concrete curb and appears well-maintained.

image of the Public Entrance on the east side of the Friend of the Court Building, off of East Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

A dark glass door labeled "PUBLIC ENTRANCE" is set into a brick wall. The door features several signs, including QR codes and a notice about forms. To the left of the door, there is a small electronic access panel. Above the door, a security camera is mounted, and a light fixture is positioned to the right. The brick wall is composed of a mix of red and brown tones, and the area is well-maintained.

image of the Public Entrance on the east side of the Friend of the Court Building, off of East Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

A glass door with a dark frame features large white text that reads "PUBLIC ENTRANCE" at the top. Below, there are two QR codes labeled "FOC PAYMENTS" and "FOC Forms." A small sign indicates "NO SOLICITING" and "NO SMOKING." Additionally, a warning sign states "Security Cameras In Use." The door is set against a brick wall.

image of the Public Entrance on the east side of the Friend of the Court Building, off of East Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan

Department Contacts

Friend of the Court

Name Title Phone
Amanda Hoefle Friend of the Court Director (269) 657-7734 ext. 1502
Megan Reynolds Referee
Melinda Bueno Referee
Rebecca Bogren Child Support Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1537
Rachel Semrau Legal Assistant (269) 657-7734 ext. 1528
Darin Mentink Warrant Officer (269) 657-7734 ext. 1509
Abbie Jones-VanHeukelum Interstate Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1526
Erin Diamond Legal Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1512
Heather Stately Review & Modification Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1510
Jonique Shipley Early Intervention Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1524
Lisa Kissinger Child Support Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1516
Martha Moore Child Support Case Manager (269) 657-7734 ext. 1527
Ann Fry Lead Customer Service Specialist - Support (F, G, H, J, K, O, Q) (269) 657-7734
Kris Deaner Account Specialist III (269) 657-7734 ext. 1515
Judy Maring Account Specialist II (269) 657-7734 ext. 1508
Melissa Jacobs Account Specialist I (269) 657-7734 ext. 1505
Greg Dean Customer Service and Assignment Specialist (269) 657-7734 ext. 1501
Melisa Ritsema Customer Service Specialist - Support (A, B, C, D, E, Y) (269) 657-7734 ext. 1521
Lisa Budzyn Customer Service Specialist - Support (N, S, T, U, V, W, X) (269) 657-7734 ext. 1503
Tammy Beam Customer Service Specialist - Support (I, L, M, P, R, Z) (269) 657-7734 ext. 1514
Mark Graham Local Project Coordinator (269) 657-7734 ext. 1525
Joseph Hohler III Referee
Trever Tate Warrant Officer (269) 657-7734 ext. 1532