Family Division Referee

Pay Rate :

• $37.81 - $51.16 BENEFITS Van Buren County offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, HSA / FSA, a Wellness program that features gym reimbursement, a pension, paid time off, flex time, and remote work options.
• PURPOSE The individual in this position conducts hearings as authorized by the Chief Judge including domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, and child protective proceedings.
• The Family Division Referee connects clients to resources to make a meaningful impact in supporting families, protecting children, and strengthening the community.
• KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintains expert-level knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, statutes, case law, and the Michigan Rules of Evidence governing domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, and child protective matters, with continual awareness of legislative and judicial changes.
• Possesses and sustains advanced knowledge of the Michigan Child Support Formula, remaining informed of revisions and updates to its application.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and organizes testimony and other evidence.
• Interprets, reviews, and structures court orders, statutes, procedures, and court rules.
• Exercises judicial independence while consistently demonstrating appropriate judicial demeanor.
• Communicates professionally with litigants, attorneys, counselors, judges, and other stakeholders, including ability to positively interact with Family Division colleagues.
• Protects the confidentiality of court records, including sensitive case data and federal tax information.
• Adapts to technological advancements, maintaining proficiency with new software, hardware, and related updates.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT Primarily courtroom and office-based with light physical effort with potential opportunity for remote work.            KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct motion and evidentiary hearings, contempt hearings, settlement conferences, preliminary hearings, progress reviews, emergency removal hearings, and other hearings as designated by the Court.
• Review pleadings, orders, and reports.
• Administer oaths and listen to testimony.
• Conduct legal research, both as needed for referee recommendations and as directed by the Court.
• Rule on the admissibility of testimony and other evidence.

Determine and apply appropriate burden of proof.

Analyze facts and apply appropriate guidelines and law.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT :