Programs & Services

Start Making It Livable for Everyone (SMILE) is an educational program for divorcing parents with children under the age of 18. This required one session program is held virtually using the Zoom platform and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.  

The program assists parents to better understand how conflict existing between them affects their children, how to communicate on a positive level and how to be flexible and compromise as co-parents in making decisions about their children.

All parents are expected to complete the program and will be provided information about available dates at the scheduled Early Intervention Conference (EIC).  

Other parents interested in attending SMILE may do so by logging in to the scheduled Zoom session on a date of their choosing.

** THERE IS NO NEED TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM.  SEE ZOOM INFORMATION AND LINK BELOW **

Resources

• Save or print the entire SMILE handbook in PDF format.
• The SMILE videos are available for purchase on DVD. Complete the SMILE DVD order form and return it by mail or drop it off at the Friend of the Court.
• Virtual SMILE Program Brochure

SMILE sessions are scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Sessions are closed to new participants 15 minutes after the start of the session.  The presentation will last approximately 1.5 hours, and will include the opportunity to ask questions. There are no fees for the SMILE program.

2026 Dates

• January 12
• February 9
• March 9
• April 13
• May 11
• June 8
• July 13
• August 10
• September 14
• October 12
• November 9
• December 14

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95900784643
Password: 320172
Meeting ID 959 0078 4643

You may also go to https://zoom.us (or use your Zoom app if you have it) and enter Meeting ID 959 0078 4643 (Password 320172)

If you do not have internet access you may also call: (646) 558-8656 or (669) 900-9128
Use Meeting ID 959 0078 4643 Password 320172

Please note, the phone only option will not allow you to see the visual portion of the presentation, and you will have to call 248-858-0453 to confirm your attendance and get credit for participation.

The Friend of the Court (FOC) is now able to offer a speakers bureau for schools, agencies or groups in the community that would like to learn more about the services offered by the FOC or the domestic relations process in general.

For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact Katie Weston at 248-858-0452.

C.O.P.E. is a post-judgment parenting program, featuring the "Children in Between" curriculum, serving as a resource for the Court and families experiencing difficulty co-parenting from separate households. Parents can be referred with or without a Court order and will attend separate sessions. There is no cost to participate in this program.

 The program is currently offered in an online format using the Zoom platform.  Each class is three (3) hours long, offered on Tuesdays, alternating between a morning class (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and an evening class (5:30 pm to 8:30 pm) as outlined below.  Participants are expected to have all necessary technical equipment (both audio and video) and internet access to complete the program.  You will need to have private space available to participate without interruption for the full 3 hours.  

Sign Up and Class Details

To sign-up for a session you will need to contact Vicki Rupert at (248) 858-0591 and provide a current email address to receive an invitation with the link you will need to participate.  Sessions will be limited to 6-8 people, and you & your co-parent will not attend the same session.

Upcoming COPE Dates

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026                    NO CLASS
• Tuesday, April 7, 2026                         5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 14, 2026                       9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 21, 2026                       5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 28, 2026                       9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026                         5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026                       9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026                       5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 26, 2026                       9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 2, 2026                        5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026                        9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026                      5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026                      NO CLASS
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026                      9:30 am - 12:30pm

Additional dates and times may be added. Please contact Vicki Rupert at (248) 858-0591 with any questions.

Stephanie Pyrros-Hensen
248-452-9262

The Friend of the Court can now offer psychological assessments at no cost when ordered by the court during a domestic relations dispute.

The Friend of the Court Job Placement Office has a diverse staff of highly motivated college interns who assist clients with a number of different issues regarding employment, state and public services, and the Friend of the Court process. We provide general information, referral and one-on-one assistance as needed.