Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, either the court will appoint an attorney to represent the child or you may obtain an attorney of your choosing.

All delinquency case on the formal docket are automatically assigned an attorney. If you are in need of an attorney who speaks Spanish, please tell us when you make the contact.

Please refer to the fee schedule page.

You may qualify for a reduced rate once the court has been able to verify your income. An attorney will still be appointed to represent your child.

No, you can make arrangements with the court staff to establish a payment plan. The reimbursement specialist will work with you to create such a plan. It is important that once the plan is established, you make regular payments as agreed.

You may ask for a review hearing before a Referee who will review all of the information presented and make a determination. If you do not agree with that determination, you may ask for a haring before the Judge assigned to the case.

There are many services you can be billed for which are related to your child. These can include out-of-home placements costs; counseling services; clothing allowances; and medication, among other things. Basically costs associated with the court’s decisions regarding your child’s care and maintenance are billable.

This occurs when the court determines that the child must be removed from his or her present home. The child may be required to stay in Muskegon’s juvenile detention facility, may be placed in a foster home, or may be sent to a residential placement facility such as boys' town.

A clothing allowance is given when a child is placed and is in need of clothing. You will be billed the actual cost of the clothing purchased.

Any medication or medical costs incurred by the court during your child’s placement.

Yes, both parents are responsible.

Yes, regardless of the divorce both parents remain legally responsible for the costs incurred. This is true regardless of who has physical custody of the child. Each parent will be billed for 50% of the cost.

Yes you will still be billed for no more than 50% of the costs. However if your child is placed out of the home long term, you child support payments can be redirected to the court to cover the costs of your child’s placement. In that case you should contact the court at 231-724-6494.

No, the maximum you will be billed is 50%.

Notify the court, in writing, as soon as possible; you should also specify which language you will need help with. The court will arrange to have an interpreter present for hearings at no cost to you.

Contact the court at 231-724-6494 to ask your questions.