House Bill 5445: Michigan Lawmakers Propose Major Family Court Overhaul

What Is House Bill 5445?

Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would fundamentally reshape the state's family court system. House Bill 5445, introduced by Republican lawmakers, is now before the Michigan House Committee on the Judiciary. The bill would require specialized training for judges handling family law cases, limit how often judges rotate between court divisions, and encourage a "one family, one judge" approach.

The legislation stems from growing concerns about inconsistent rulings and a lack of specialized training among Michigan judges handling family law matters.

The Core Problem: Judges Lacking Expertise

According to the advocacy group Stronger Courts for Michigan Families, a 2025 EPIC/MRA survey found that 92% of Michigan voters support requiring judges to have specialized training before presiding over family law cases. The same poll showed 51% of voters support a "one family, one judge" model, compared to 31% opposed.

Liisa Speaker, a Lansing-based appellate attorney and immediate past chair of the State Bar of Michigan's Family Law Section, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that her experience handling appeals has exposed patterns across the state.

"We see a lot of things happening around the state … you see trends," Speaker said. "It just seemed like there were a lot of cases that we were able to appeal and were successful on appeal a lot of times because there were judges who weren't following the law."

Speaker explained that families often face multiple judges for a single proceeding. "We have families that are on their third, fourth, or even fifth judge just to finish one proceeding," she said. "Every time a new judge comes in, the families have to tell their whole story all over again."

What The Bill Would Require

The proposed legislation would require new judges assigned to family court to have prior experience or training in family law, child law, and domestic violence. This would ensure that judges entering the field understand the complexities of these cases before presiding over them.

Additionally, the bill would create a non-rotating family court bench. Instead of judges moving between different court divisions, they would remain assigned to family cases. This approach mirrors Michigan's business court model, where judges specialize in business law and develop expertise over time.

The proposal also seeks to ensure that one judge handles all related cases involving the same family, rather than splitting different cases involving the same family across multiple judges. This "one family, one judge" approach could significantly reduce delays and improve outcomes by allowing judges to better understand the families appearing before them.

The Business Court Model

The proposal for a dedicated family court is based on the proven model of Michigan's business courts. Business court judges apply for the position, receive specialized training, and develop expertise that results in more consistent, efficient, and effective rulings.

Donald Wheaton, chair of the State Bar of Michigan's Family Law Section, emphasized why this matters for families across Michigan. "This isn't a niche issue – it's a kitchen-table issue affecting families in every corner of Michigan," Wheaton said. "Families deserve a system where judges understand the complexities of these cases and can provide consistent, informed decision-making."

Why This Matters For Fathers In Kalamazoo County

For fathers navigating family court in Kalamazoo County, this legislation could bring important changes to how cases are handled. The current system often assigns different judges to different aspects of a custody or child support case, which can lead to inconsistent rulings and require fathers to repeatedly explain their situation.

The "one family, one judge" approach would mean that a single judge oversees all aspects of a case, from initial filings through final resolutions. This continuity could help fathers build relationships with judges who understand their circumstances and can make more informed decisions.

Additionally, requiring judges to have specialized training in family law, child law, and domestic violence could ensure that fathers receive fair treatment in cases involving these complex legal areas.

What Happens Next

The bill remains in committee and would need a hearing before further advancing in the legislative process. Advocates say they are working to build support among lawmakers to move the legislation forward.

Speaker noted that the legislation is not expected to resolve every issue within the system but could lead to meaningful improvements. "Nothing we do is going to be perfect," she said. "But there's a lot of ways it could be improved."

The Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan is prepared to collaborate with policymakers to implement these reforms and establish a family court system that prioritizes Michigan families. They argue that the stakes are higher when children's futures are at stake, and the need for well-trained and consistent judicial leadership is unmistakable.

How This Compares To The Current System

Michigan established a dedicated family court system in 1996, but nearly three decades of experience reveal that the current structure is not providing the outcomes families deserve. Delays, inconsistency, inefficiency, and poor decisions that are later overturned on appeal have become hallmarks of the family court system.

The proposed changes aim to address these systemic issues by creating a more specialized and consistent judicial process. While the bill won't be perfect, advocates argue it represents a necessary step toward improving how Michigan family courts operate.

For fathers and mothers throughout Kalamazoo County and across Michigan, this legislation represents a potential turning point in how family law cases are handled. The outcome could mean more consistent decisions, fewer delays, and better-informed rulings that truly serve the best interests of children and families.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing a family court matter, consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction. Every case is unique, and this content is meant to educate and inform - not to replace professional legal counsel.*

Sources:

• House Bill 5445: Michigan lawmakers consider bill to overhaul family court system | The Center Square – https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_df1a6513-4172-4025-acde-c1d78fdf291f.html

• Viewpoint: It's time to fix Michigan's family courts | Lansing State Journal – https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/03/03/viewpoint-its-time-to-fix-michigans-family-courts/88834289007/

• Michigan Legislative Update – Spring 2026 Edition – https://nfib.com/news/news/michigan-legislative-update-spring-2026-edition