C43 2013-05: LAO Appointment of Domestic Relations Attorney Referee

This administrative order is issued in accordance with Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2009-6, effective January 1, 2010. In accordance with MCL 552.507(1) and MCR 3.215(A), and upon approval of the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO).

IT IS ORDERED:

1. The chief judge of the 43rd Judicial Court appoints Leigh A. Feldman as attorney referee. The referee's contact information is:
   
   Name: Leigh A. Feldman
   Bar Number: P61475
   Court Address: 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
   Phone Number: (296) 445-4444
   Email Address: leighf@cassco.org
   
   It is the responsibility of the referee to notify the State Court Administrative Office of changes in individual's contact information during the course of the appointment. 
2. Leigh A. Feldman:
   1. Will serve at the pleasure of the chief judge of the Circuit Court and the presiding judge of the Probate/Family Court. 
   2. Has taken the constitutional oath of office.
   3. Is a member, in good standing, of the State Bar of Michigan, pursuant to MCL 552.507(1).
3. The following types of motions may be heard initially by Domestic Relations Referees. Leigh A. Feldman is authorized to perform the following duties pursuant to MCL 552.507(A):
   
   Hear all domestic relations motions and any ancillary (related non-domestic relations) motions that the court determines to be related to a domestic relations case. In default cases the referee may take testimony pursuant to MCL 552.9f to perpetuate such testimony and may recommend that the court enter a default judgment. 
   
   The following types of domestic relations motions shall be initially heard by the Domestic Relations Referee:
   1. All matters concerning child support;
   2. All matters concerning childcare and medical support;
   3. All matters in regards to parenting time; 
   4. All matters regarding modification of parenting time;
   5. All matters regarding custody;
   6. All matters requesting a change of domicile of child(ren).
4. The Domestic Relations Referee is authorized to conduct the following scheduling and settlement conferences in domestic relations cases in accordance with MCR 3.215:
   
   Scheduling conferences in domestic relations cases. The court must review and may either approve or modify the referee's scheduling.
   
   Settlement conferences in domestic relations cases.
5. Recommendations for certain orders by the Domestic Relations Referee shall be given interim effect pending a judicial hearing on a timely objection or pending the twenty-one (21) day waiting period as authorized by MCR 3.215(G):
   • Orders establishing custody
   • Orders establishing child support
   • Orders establish parenting time
   • Orders modifying parenting time when custody does not change
   • Orders modifying child support when custody does not change
   • Orders implementing income withholding
6. If a domestic relations referee's recommended order does not have interim effect pursuant to this order, the court may enter a case-specific order giving the recommended order interim effect pending the judicial hearing, unless interim effect is prohibited by MCR 3.215(G)(3). 

Find the fully executed version here.