March 9, 2026 F.L.S.A.: Exempt
NOTICE
There is a job vacancy in the BAY COUNTY FRIEND OF THE COURT’S OFFICE
Job Title: Domestic Relations Attorney Referee
Rate of Pay: $84,822.40 / Annual to $102,024.00 (PC10)
Application Procedure: Apply online at www.baycountymi.gov
Job Posting End Date: Open until filled
This is a full time non-represented position with benefits.
Benefits include, but not limited to:
Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance Life Insurance
Paid Vacations Paid Holidays (+14)
Paid Sick Days Paid Personal Days
Paid Parental Leave Paid Bereavement
Pension with 4% Employer Contribution Flex Spending Account
*Bay County is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
General Summary
Under the general direction of the Friend of the Court Director, serves as Referee for a variety of domestic relations matters involving child support, custody, parenting time, medical support, spousal support, change of domicile and show cause hearings. Hears sworn testimony from witnesses. Conducts enforcement and bond hearings for those lodged in the County Jail after an arrest on a bench warrant. Provides legal advice to Friend of the Court staff and researches, analyzes and prepares recommendations of other related matters. Operates electronic recording equipment during hearings to capture sworn testimony of witnesses and parties on the record.
Essential Job Functions
- Conducts evidentiary hearings concerning modification or enforcement of child support orders, parenting time orders, custody orders, medical orders, spousal support, show cause hearings and bench warrant/bond hearings.
- Hears sworn testimony from various witnesses and parties on the record. Applies court rules, relevant statutes and case law as applicable.
- Makes findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the testimony and evidence submitted and renders written rulings in the form of Recommended Orders.
- Prepares legal documents such as court orders, judgments and petitions.
- Conducts administrative hearings on tax intercepts, delinquency notices, account adjustments and related matters.
- Assists in formulating enforcement strategies with staff and management. Establishes procedures and forms for new enforcement techniques or modifications to existing methods.
- Responds to legal questions from staff, attorneys and other interested parties. Provides legal advice to staff including the interpretation of court orders, pleadings, statutes and applicable case law. Prepares staff for subpoenas and provides assistance in other legal matters.
- Researches, analyzes and remains abreast of statutes, court rules and case law related to areas of the law impacting Friend of the Court operations.
- Performs supervisory and management functions and responsibilities as assigned or delegated by the Friend of the Court Director.
- Retrieves and enters data into various computer systems.
- Operates video and audio equipment for the recording of all hearings conducted.
- Consults with the judiciary about specific cases before them or general philosophical approaches to specific issues to be decided.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- (An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the above tasks. These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform).
- Consistent and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.
Employment Qualifications
- Juris Doctor Degree
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan
- A minimum of four years of professional experience with a legal practice emphasis in domestic relations.
Work Environment and Physical Demands (With or without reasonable accommodations)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to read typed and written material. The employee is frequently required to reach forward with hands and arms. The work performed frequently requires close exposure to VDT’s, DRT’s and UV rays. The work performed frequently requires repetitious hand, arm and finger motions as well as manual/finger dexterity. An employee in this class works in the Friend of the Court office, though travel may be periodically for training and meetings.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
“Bay County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Bay County and its departments to pursue equal employment opportunity regardless of height, weight, political or religious affiliations, race, color, sex, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or other protected classification set forth by law in our relationship with applicants for employment, employees of the department, and the public.”
