Report highlights concerns in Michigan family courts as reform bill stalls

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(The Center Square) – A new statewide survey of Michigan family-law practitioners is adding momentum to a legislative effort to overhaul how family court cases are handled across the state.

The report, released by Stronger Courts for Michigan Families, surveyed nearly 300 judges, referees, legal aid attorneys and private practitioners and found widespread concerns Michigan’s family court system.

According to the report, 74% of respondents identified delays in hearings or case resolution as a significant issue, while 53% cited high case backlogs. More than half of respondents reported that, in their experience, judges are routinely assigned to family law dockets without prior family-law experience.

The survey also found that 60% of practitioners reported inconsistent rulings or a lack of judicial continuity, while 62% described the problems as widespread across Michigan.

Stephanie Van Koevering, spokesperson for Stronger Courts for Michigan Families, exclusively spoke with The Center Square regarding the findings.

“This report highlights both the level of frustration and concern that’s out there in the legal community,” she said. “Attorneys are fretting over the children whose cases depend on sound outcomes, and they’re speaking out in ways they haven’t done before. It’s time to advance changes to ensure consistency, commitment, and leadership on the family law bench.”

The report detailed several specific cases practitioners said reflected the consequences of delays and judicial inexperience, including a Livingston County case in which a personal protection order was denied before the murder of a woman and her children.

These findings come as lawmakers consider House Bill 5445. As previously reported by The Center Square, that legislation that would require training for judges handling family law cases, reduce judicial rotation between court divisions and encourage a “one family, one judge” approach.

Supporters say these changes would bring greater consistency to cases involving custody disputes, child welfare and domestic violence.

“This isn’t a niche issue—it’s a kitchen-table issue affecting families in every corner of Michigan,” said Donald Wheaton, chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section. “Families deserve a system where judges understand the complexities of these cases and can provide consistent, informed decision-making.”

The report found strong support among practitioners for structural reforms, while previous polling also reported broad public support for the same.

The legislation, which was introduced by Republican lawmakers, currently remains in limbo before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee. 

Van Koevering said they are still hopeful that it will advance this legislative session and are working to gather more support to get it out of committee.