Introduced on Dec. 23, 2025, Michigan lawmakers are considering House Bill 5445, a bill that would require additional specialized training for judges overseeing family court cases. 

Supporters of the proposal argue that the changes could improve consistency and efficiency in legal proceedings involving children and families.

The legislation would require judges assigned to family division cases to complete specialized family law training before presiding over proceedings. 

The proposal would also require each judicial circuit in Michigan to maintain a family division and would encourage related cases involving the same family to remain under the same judge and referee team under a “one family, one judge” approach. 

Rep. Douglas Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) introduced the proposal alongside several members of the Michigan House. 

Rep. Wozniak said the legislation is intended to improve how Michigan courts handle complicated family cases and ensure judges overseeing proceedings have relevant experience. 

“Many times, right now, and this is in all sections of the judiciary, some of the judges are taking on cases they shouldn’t be taking on,” Rep. Wozniak said. “What we’re trying to do is consolidate the rules to establish a family court, make sure the judges are trained and they have a list of priorities.” 

Michigan family courts oversee divorce proceedings, custody disputes, juvenile delinquency matters and child protection services. The system was designed to centralize cases involving children and families under one division. 

The bill would revise family court planning requirements beginning in 2028 and expand jurisdiction guidelines tied to family proceedings. 

Supporters believe the legislation could improve coordination within Michigan courts and reduce delays for families involved in long-term disputes. 

The proposal would also establish additional standards for assigning judges to family divisions throughout the state.

Supporters of the bill argue the changes could create greater continuity for parents and children moving through the court system. 

The current court structure can create challenges for families navigating legal disputes.

Supporters praised House Bill 5445 and said the proposal could improve consistency in custody, divorce and child welfare cases. 

Donald Wheaton, chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law (SBM) section, said frequent judicial rotations can create delays for families moving through the legal system. 

“Right now, Michigan’s family court system isn’t fully meeting the needs of the families it serves,” Chair Wheaton said. “Frequent judicial rotations create delays and inconsistencies, making an already difficult process harder for parents and children.”

Some attorneys and child welfare advocates have raised concerns about uneven decisions in family courts throughout the state.  Supporters of the proposal say stronger statewide standards could improve judicial consistency across Michigan counties.

Some legal professionals believe judges entering family divisions may not always have prior experience handling complex custody or abuse-related cases. And advocates legislation argue additional preparation could improve court outcomes involving children and families. 

However, critics argue courts already provide educational opportunities and warn new requirements could place additional pressure on local court systems. And court officials in some rural communities warned additional requirements may create scheduling and staffing challenges.

The debate surrounding House Bill 5445 reflects broader discussions about judicial reform and family court operations across Michigan.

Lawmakers will continue reviewing whether expanded training requirements could improve outcomes for families involved in the legal system.