Allies & Organizations

Battle Creek, Michigan (Calhoun County)

Regional advocacy group fighting for changes in FOC enforcement laws and handling of cases. Based in Calhoun County, adjacent to Kalamazoo - facing the same system, the same problems.

Focus: FOC reform, enforcement accountability, non-custodial parent rights

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Nonprofit public defender office that launched a court observer program funded by the Urban Institute's Catalyst Grant (Microsoft-funded). They have observed nearly 800 court sessions tracking racial disparities in bail, fines, fees, and sentencing in Kalamazoo County courts.

Focus: Court observation, racial disparity documentation, legal defense

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Local resource organization for those facing injustices in the Kalamazoo County court system. Provides information, advocacy support, and community connections.

Focus: Court system justice, community resources, advocacy

Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Kalamazoo branch of the NAACP maintains an active complaint process for discrimination, including in the court system. Critical resource for Black and Brown fathers facing racial bias in family court.

Focus: Racial discrimination complaints, civil rights advocacy

Michigan

Founded in 2007 by Joseph D. Farley, this organization provides guidance and support to fathers navigating the Friend of the Court system in Michigan. Focused on empowering fathers with knowledge of their rights and the legal process.

Focus: FOC navigation, father's rights education, support

Michigan

Michigan-specific father's rights resource providing information on custody, child support, parenting time, and navigating the family court system.

Focus: Father's rights, custody, child support, Michigan law

Michigan

Michigan-based legal advocacy organization focused on men's rights in divorce and custody. Has been a vocal advocate for the Michigan Shared Parenting Act and FOC reform.

Focus: Divorce rights, custody reform, legislative advocacy

Michigan

Advocacy group pushing for equal custody rights for fathers in Michigan. Works on legislative reform and provides support to fathers going through the court system.

Focus: Equal custody, legislative reform, father support

Statewide

The ACLU of Michigan takes cases involving civil rights violations, including due process and equal protection claims. They may provide pro bono legal support for fathers whose constitutional rights are violated by the FOC or family court system.

Focus: Constitutional rights, civil liberties, pro bono legal support

National

Leading national organization advocating for shared parenting legislation. Publishes research, state-by-state report cards on custody laws, and lobbies for reform at the state and federal level.

Focus: Shared parenting legislation, research, state report cards

National

Provides free legal assistance to journalists and citizen journalists. If this site or any advocacy effort faces legal challenges, RCFP can provide guidance and potentially representation.

Focus: First Amendment defense, journalist protection, anti-SLAPP support

National

Published the study 'Father's Perception of Bias in Michigan Family Courts' documenting gender discrimination in FOC custody recommendations and court dispositions. A key research ally.

Focus: Research, bias documentation, father's perception studies

National

Research organization documenting how child support enforcement disproportionately impacts low-income and minority fathers. Their data shows 80% of those in arrears earn under $20,000/year.

Focus: Child support reform, poverty research, racial equity

Detroit, Michigan / National

Founded by Carnell Alexander, a Detroit man falsely named as a father, proven innocent by DNA, but still ordered to pay $30,000+ in child support. The foundation advocates for reform of paternity fraud laws and process server accountability. Petitioned for HB 4666 to make it a felony for process servers to falsify delivery.

Focus: Paternity fraud reform, process server accountability, legislative change

National

Published critical research showing child support enforcement 'can hurt Black, low-income, noncustodial fathers and their kids.' Their data on the 3x incarceration rate for Black fathers is foundational to this fight. Also funded the Kalamazoo Defender's court observer program.

Focus: Policy research, racial equity, child support impact studies