With the midterm elections now over, we welcome two newly elected Oakland County judges. Traditionally, newly elected Oakland County judges serve on the Family Court. Family Court includes cases involving divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support and spousal support (alimony).
The two newly elected Oakland County judges are Julie McDonald and Jake Cunningham.
Julie McDonald received her B.A. in Finance from Western Michigan University and her J.D. from Detroit College of Law graduating Cum Laude in the top 10% of her class. Prior to the Oakland County Circuit Court election, Judge McDonald was employed as a staff attorney to Judge David Groner. We welcome Judge McDonald to the Oakland County Family court.
Jake Cunningham received his B.A. from Oakland University, and law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he later taught as an adjunct professor. Judge Cunningham is a member of the American, Irish and Armenian Bar Associations, the Eastern District of Michigan Federal Bar Association, and the Michigan Inter-Professional Association and was most recently employed as a judicial staff attorney to Judge Mary Ellen Brennan in the Oakland Circuit Court’s family division. We welcome Judge Cunningham to the Oakland County Family Court.
In addition to the newly elected Oakland County Divorce Court Judges. Oakland County Divorce Court is staffed with experienced and knowledgeable Oakland County Divorce Court judges.
The Honorable Mary Ellen Brennan is the presiding judge of the Oakland County Divorce Court and Family-Focused Juvenile Drug Court. Judge Brennan was elected to the Oakland County Divorce Court on November 4, 2008 and is a graduate of James Madison College of Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School.
Judge Brennan Courtroom is 2G, located on the second floor of the 1200 N. Telegraph building.
Judge Brennan’s telephone number is 248-858-0355
Judge Brennan has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
The Honorable Lisa Gorcyca was elected to the Oakland County Divorce Court in November of 2008. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Detroit College of law, with honors in 1993. Judge Gorcyca is a former prosecuting attorney.
Judge Gorcyca’s Courtroom is 2A, located on the second floor of the 1200 N. Telegraph building.
Judge Gorcyca’s telephone number is 248-858-0360
Judge Gorcyca has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
The Honorable Lisa Langton was elected to the Oakland County Divorce Court in November of 2014 and assigned to the Family division, in 2015. Prior to her election, she was the deputy court administrator for the Juvenile division. She is a graduate of Ball State University, Honors College and a 1988 graduate of the Detroit College of Law.
Judge Langton’s Courtroom is W2, located in the West Wing of the Oakland County Courthouse.
Judge Langton’s telephone number is 248-858-1704
Judge Langton has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
The Honorable Jeffery S. Matis, was appointed by the governor in November 2015 and assigned to the Family Division (Oakland County Divorce Court) in 2015. Judge Matis graduated from Oakland University in 1990 and the University of Detroit School of Law in 1994. Prior to his appointment, he was the Vice Chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Judge Matis Courtroom is 2G, located on the second floor of the 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. building.
Judge Matis’s telephone number is 248-858-0355
Judge Matis has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
It is anticipated (although not confirmed) that Judge Matis will be departing the Oakland County Divorce Court to serve in another department. If the rumor is true, he will be missed.
The Honorable Karen McDonald was elected to the Oakland County Divorce Court in November 2012. Judge McDonald is a 1998 graduate of Wayne State University, cum laude and former editor of the Wayne Law Review. Judge McDonald is also a former prosecuting attorney.
Judge McDonald’s Courtroom is 5C, located on the fifth floor of the 200 N. Telegraph Rd. building.
Judge McDonald’s telephone number is 248-858-0340
Judge Matis has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
The Honorable Victoria A. Valentine was elected to the Oakland County Divorce Court in November 2016.
Judge Valentine’s Courtroom is 2F, located on the second floor of the 200 N. Telegraph Rd. building.
Judge Valentine’s telephone number is 248-858-5282
Judge Valentine has specific rules and procedures regarding her courtroom which can be viewed here.
The Oakland County Divorce Court works closely with the Oakland County Friend of the Court which provides services to parties with minor children involving divorce, family support, interstate and paternity cases. The Friend of the court is located at 230 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Pontiac, Michigan a few miles from the Court House.
The Oakland County Friend of the Court is staffed by referees, counselors, support specialists and support staff that assist the Oakland County Divorce Court Judges resolve disputes and perform other administrative functions.
An important consideration before entering the Oakland County Divorce Court and the Oakland County Friend of the Court are the security requirements. You will be subject to building security before you enter the court and must pass through a medical detector. The specific items being banned changes however, cellphones with a camera and weapons are always banned.
For many divorce, custody and family law related issues, there is no need to travel all of the way to the courthouse. You can access many resources online.
The Oakland County Divorce Court and Oakland County Friend of the Court also has many online resources including:
- Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.oakgov.com/courts/circuit/Pages/faq/default.aspx
- Michigan Child Support Formula Manual: http://courts.mi.gov/Administration/SCAO/OfficesPrograms/FOC/Pages/Child-Support-Formula.aspx
- Court Explorer – Case lookup: http://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/pages/courtexplorer.aspx
- Michigan Court Rules: http://courts.mi.gov/Courts/MichiganSupremeCourt/rules/Pages/current-court-rules.aspx
- Payments due on domestic cases: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/plc/1442;jsessionid=feb98f0673e1c5a48fcb3022a786
Findling Law is grateful to be able to practice law in Oakland County Divorce Court and throughout Michigan.
About Findling Law
Findling Law, PLC – 414 W. 5th St. Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Phone:+1 (248) 399-3300
After hours emergency?+1 (707) 968-7347
Email:Daniel@Findlinglaw.com
I have been exclusively practicing divorce and family law in Michigan for over two decades. The attorneys at Findling Law all share the core value of practicing law to help people navigate change in their lives, without compromising principles. We are compassionate, creative and always prepared. We specialize in high socio-economic, high-profile and high-conflict cases, while also working with clients of all backgrounds. We recognize that the most important aspect of the practice of law is the application of the law to your specific circumstances.That is why we provide more free information on divorce and family law than any other Michigan law firm. We want to help you manage your situation. Allow our exceptional legal team to help you navigate the change in your life, without compromising principles.
By: Daniel Findling
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