EP 105 Pants on Fire

JudgeMental Podcast – Episode 105: Pants on FireCan a Friend of the Court (FOC) lie to the parties they're investigating? That's the provocative question at the center of this episode, and the answer may surprise — or concern — you.Hosts Christine and Trey dig into the legal and ethical landscape surrounding FOCs in Michigan family court, drawing parallels to law enforcement's well-established right to use deception during investigations. The conversation covers the landmark Morgan v. Getter (2012) case that created the distinction between Guardians ad Litem (GALs) and Friends of the Court, and explores how the FOC role has expanded far beyond its original intent.Topics Covered:Can FOCs use deception as an investigative tactic, the way law enforcement can?The Morgan v. Getter (2012) ruling and the GAL vs. FOC distinctionWhy experienced attorneys prep clients to treat FOC interviews like police interrogations — and why pro se litigants are most at riskJudges ordering parties not to record FOC interactions — and whether that's even lawfulHow "buddy tactics" by FOCs can mislead both parties before a report is issuedPaid supervisors and no-recording contracts during supervised parenting timeThe systemic pattern: nothing reported on JudgeMental has ever turned out to be an isolated incidentWhy FOC appointments have exploded in family court — and the problems that createsKey Takeaways:Treat every interaction with an FOC as if they are building a case against you — tell the truth, keep your story consistent, and take notes on everything said to you.Ask your attorney about attending FOC interviews with you.Stay connected with the Judge-y community at judge-y.com and follow @Judgingthejudges for updates, submissions, and ongoing coverage of family court accountability.Download the Judge-y app to stay informed and connected.LEGAL DISCLAIMERThe content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.