EP 105 Pants on Fire

EP 105 Pants on Fire

From The JudgeMental Podcast by Christine Miller, Hugh Barrow

June 3, 2026 · 31 min · Season 1 · Episode 105

About this episode

This episode explores the ethical implications of Friends of the Court using deception in Michigan family court investigations.

JudgeMental Podcast – Episode 105: Pants on Fire Can a Friend of the Court (FOC) lie to the parties they're investigating? That's the provocative question at the center of this episode, and the answer may surprise — or concern — you. Hosts Christine and Trey dig into the legal and ethical landscape surrounding FOCs in Michigan family court, drawing parallels to law enforcement's well-established right to use deception during investigations. The conversation covers the landmark Morgan v. Getter (2012) case that created the distinction between Guardians ad Litem (GALs) and Friends of the Court, and explores how the FOC role has expanded far beyond its original intent. Topics Covered: Can FOCs use deception as an investigative tactic, the way law enforcement can? The Morgan v. Getter (2012) ruling and the GAL vs. FOC distinction Why experienced attorneys prep clients to treat FOC interviews like police interrogations — and why pro se litigants are most at risk Judges ordering parties not to record FOC interactions — and whether that's even lawful How "buddy tactics" by FOCs can mislead both parties before a report is issued Paid supervisors and no-recording contracts during…

People in this episode

Hosts: Christine Miller, Hugh Barrow

Topics covered

  • legal ethics
  • family court
  • investigative tactics
  • deception in law
  • FOC vs GAL
  • court interactions
  • parenting time supervision

Keywords

  • Friends of the Court
  • deception
  • family court
  • Morgan v. Getter
  • Guardians ad Litem
  • legal ethics
  • investigative tactics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Friends of the Court, Morgan v. Getter, Guardians ad Litem, Michigan family court

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