STATE OF MICHIGAN
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF INGHAM
MICHAEL E. TINDALL, individually and
on behalf of all others similarly situated
Plaintiff
VS CASE NO. __________
HON. _______________
THE STATE OF MICHIGAN;
MICHIGAN STATE FRIEND OF COURT BUREAU ("FOCB");
WAYNE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION ("WCCC"),
BY: HON. KIRSTEN FRANK KELLY, PRESIDING JUDGE;
WAYNE COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT ("WFOC"),
BY: KIM S. BATEMAN;
OAKLAND COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION ("OCCC"),
CLASS ACTION COMPLANTBY: HON. JOAN E YOUNG, PRESIDING JUDGE;
FOR VIOLATION OF U.S. ANDOAKLAND COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT ("OFOC"),
MICHIGAN CONTITUTIONS,BY: JOSEPH G. SALAMONE;
DECLARATORY JUDGMENT,MACOMB COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION,
INJUNCTIVE AND OTHERBY: HON. DONALD MILLER, PRESIDING JUDGE;
EQUITABLE RELIEFMACOMB COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT (MFOC"),
BY: THOMAS J. MCDONALD;
MONROE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION, ("MOCCC")
BY: HON. JOHN HALLMAN, PRESIDING JUDGE;
MONROE COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT ("MOFOC"),
BY: MARIA ZAGORSKI;
WASHTENAW COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION ("WACCC")
BY: HON. JOHN HIRKENDALL, PRESIDING JUDGE;
WASHTENAW COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT ("WAFOC"),
BY: LINDA EDWARDS - BROWN;
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION ("LCCC"),
BY: HON. SUSAN RECK , PRESIDING JUDGE;
LIVINGSTON CONTY FRIEND OF COURT ("LCFOC");
BY: MELISSA SCHARRER;
GENESEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY DIVISION ("GCCC"),
BY: HON. DUNCAN BEAGLE, PRESIDING JUDGE;
GENESEE COUNTY FRIEND OF COURT ("GFOC")
BY: JENNIE BARKLEY;
DAVIND M. FINDLING, ESQ., a/k/a "GARBAGE MAN" ("DMF") AND
FINDLING LAW FIRM PLC, ("FLF") jointly and severally,
Defendants.
______________________________________________________\
TROMBLY TINDALL P.C.
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
BY: MICHAEL E. TINDALL (P29090)
600 HURON AVE., STE. 14
PORT HURON, MI 48060
(810)-385-7344
FAX: (815) 425-0657
____________________________________________\
COMPLAINT AND JURY DEMAND
Now comes Plaintiff, by and through his undersigned attorneys, TROMBLY TINDALL P.C., and for this Complaint states as follows:
NATURE OF THE CASE:
1.This is a class action on behalf of all payers of child support in the seven (7) county metropolitan Detroit area and throughout the State of Michigan subject to domestic relations support orders and/or enforcement proceedings from and after August 22, 1996.
2. Plaintiff class members seek a declaration of their rights under the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions, Michigan statutes, and, Michigan court rules, together with equitable relief including: an injunction(s) against further and additional violations of their constitutional and statutory rights; dissolution of illegal and unconstitutionally created receiverships and seizures of personal and real property; rescission of illegal and unconstitutional suspensions of professional, occupational, drivers and other licenses; restitution of illegally and unconstitutionally seized and taken real and personal property; accounting for and restitution of all proceeds of the sale or liquidation of illegally seized real and personal property and of all illegal, excessive and unreasonable fees, costs, and, expenses imposed on Plaintiff class members and paid to illegally and unconstitutionally appointed post judgment, state court domestic relations receivers as a consequence of the violation of their constitutional and statutory rights.
3. On or about August 22, 1996, the U.S. Congress enacted P.L. 104-193, amending Section 466 of the Social Security Act, being 42 USC 666, to require states, including Michigan, to enact statutory procedures to improve the effectiveness of state child support enforcement under penalty of reduction of federal revenue sharing. These federally imposed requirements included the mandatory establishment of:
4.Thereafter, in an attempt to enact statutory provisions to comply with these federal requirements and to avoid loss of federal revenue sharing funds and revenue, the Michigan legislature enacted:
A. PA 1996, No. 239, being MCLA 552.628, effective January 1, 1997, authorizing an "office of friend of court" to petition a circuit court to suspend professional, occupational, drivers and other licenses of a support payer three (3) months or more in arrears under a support order.
B.. PA 1998, No. 334, being MCLA 552.625b, effective August 10, 1998, authorizing an "office of friend of court" to perfect a lien against, encumber, seize, and, sell real and personal property, including through the appointment of a post judgment domestic relations receiver, of a payer of support if an arrearage accrues in an amount exceeding one (1) years support payments payable under a payer’s support order.
5. PA 1996, No. 239, is unconstitutional on its face as it violates the Separation of Powers Clause, Article III, Section 2, of the Michigan Constitution; the Administrative action clause, Article VI, Section 28, of the Michigan Constitution; the due process clause, Article I, Section 17, of the Michigan Constitution; the Michigan Administrative Procedures Act, being MCLA 24.201, et seq.; and, thereby, deprives support payers in Michigan of their federally protected, constitutionally guaranteed right to due process of law under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
6.PA 1998, No. 334, is unconstitutional on its face as it violates the due process clause, Article I, Section 17 of the Michigan Constitution; and, deprives support payers in Michigan of their federally protected, constitutionally guaranteed right to due process of law under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
7.Throughout the Class Period, Defendants have, nevertheless, illegally and unconstitutionally suspended licenses of support payers, and, perfected liens and encumbrances against, and, seized, taken and sold real and personal property of support payers in the seven (7) county metropolitan area and throughout the State of Michigan, with and without the appointment of post judgment state court receivers, in violation of both the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions, without due process of law, and, in violation of the very statutory conditions imposed upon them by PA 1996, No 239, and, PA 1998, No. 334.
8.Defendants State of Michigan and FOCB have failed to adequately train and supervise Defendants "offices of friend of court"; have failed to adequately train, supervise and administer Defendants circuit courts; and, have failed to proscribe and implement adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the constitutional rights of support payers in the seven (7) county metropolitan area and throughout the State of Michigan are adequately protected and enforced.
9.Throughout the Class Period, Defendants circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" have engaged in excessive and illegal appointments of post judgment domestic relations receivers, as a child support collection and enforcement device, without proper notice or hearing and in violation of the statutory conditions and restrictions contained in PA 1998, No. 334.
10.Although various persons have received appointments to act as post judgment domestic relations receivers, the disproportionate majority of said appointments in the seven (7) county metropolitan area have been given to David M. Findling, ("DMF"), a/k/a/ the "Garbage Man" and his law firm FINDLING LAW FIRM PLC ("FLF").
11.Under the authority and with the approval of Defendants circuit courts and Defendants "offices of friend of court", DMF and FLF have illegally and unconstitutionally encumbered, seized and taken the real and personal property of support payers under color of state law without due process of law and without just compensation; have liquidated and sold such property for inadequate and less than full value; have failed to properly account for and apply proceeds from such sale and liquidation of property in accordance with state law; have charged and paid themselves, from the proceeds of such sales, excessive, unreasonable and unnecessary fees and compensation; and, have failed to properly pay over, credit and apply the proceeds of such seizures and sales against the support arrearages of targeted support payers.
12.Defendants circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" permit and encourage the illegal and unconstitutional appointments of DMF and FLF as post judgment domestic relations receivers pursuant to Orders of Appointment drafted by DMF and FLF, which Orders purport to illegally cloak DMF and FLF with absolute judicial immunity for their illegal acts; permit and approve the illegal and unconstitutional seizure and taking of private property in violation of law; and, authorize and approve the charging, payment and illegal application of excessive and unreasonable fees and costs to and by DMF and FLF; all as a device to illegally and improperly increase both the volume and amount of enforcement actions and collections against child support payers in Michigan, and, thereby, preserve and maintain Defendants’ eligibility for and avoid reductions in federal funding and revenue sharing.
13.Defendants circuit courts and "offices of friend of courts" fail to terminate and dissolve these illegal and unconstitutional post judgment domestic relations receiverships when otherwise required pursuant to statute, thereby illegally preserving, continuing and maintaining such receiverships as ongoing collection and enforcement devices which can and are re-activated at will and without complying with required notice, hearing and due process requirements for the collection of future support arrearages.
14.Due to Defendants’ illegal and unconstitutional conduct, and, their blatant violation of and disregard for statutory and rule made requirements for notice, hearing, and, required due process, Plaintiff and the other class members have had their property illegally encumbered, seized, sold, and, liquidated without due process of law; have had or been threatened with the illegal and unconstitutional suspension of licenses and the consequent limitation on their right and ability to earn an income; have had property taken without just compensation; have had property liquidated and sold at inadequate and less than fair value; have been subjected to and charged with excessive, unreasonable and unnecessary costs, fees, and expense; and, remain subject to the ongoing illegal and unconstitutional control of these illegally appointed domestic relations receivers.
COUNT I: ALL DEFENDANTS
JURISDICTION
15. At all times relevant to the allegations of this Complaint, Plaintiff was a party to post Judgment domestic relations proceedings in Michigan, is subject to the Michigan Friend of Court Act (Act), MCLA 552.501, et seq., and the Support and Visitation Enforcement Act (Enforcement Act), being MCLA 552.601, and, is the holder of both operator and professional/occupational licenses in the State of Michigan.
16. Defendant State of Michigan operates, maintains and is responsible for the activities of Defendant Wayne County Friend of Court pursuant to MCLA 552.527; and, supervises, directs and is responsible for the training and activities of the remaining Defendant Friend of Court offices through its agency, Defendant State Friend of Court Bureau, pursuant to MCLA 552.519
17. Defendant State Friend of Court Bureau (FOCB) is a bureau or division of the Office of the State Court Administrator created pursuant to Section 19 of the Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.503 and 552.519, and, is an agency of the State of Michigan statutorily charged with the duties and responsibilities of:
(a) developing and recommending guidelines for the conduct, operations, and, procedures employed by the Defendant "friend of court offices" in the course of:
(i)investigative functions
(ii)recommendation functions
(iii)referee functions; and,
(iv)enforcement functions
(b) training Defendant county "friend of court offices" and their employees to carry out statutory investigative, recommendation, referee and enforcement duties.
18.Defendant Wayne County Circuit Court, Family Division, (WCCC) is the family division of the Wayne County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Wayne County. Hon. Kristen Frank Kelly is presiding judge of the Family Division.
19. Defendant Wayne County Friend of Court (WFOC), is operated and maintained by the State of Michigan, and, is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of the Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Wayne County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Kim S. Bateman is the Wayne County Friend of Court.
20.Defendant Oakland County Circuit Court, Family Division, (OCCC) is the family division of the Oakland County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Oakland County. Hon. Joan Young is presiding judge of the Family Division.
21. Defendant Oakland County Friend of Court (OFOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Oakland, and, is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Oakland County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Joseph G. Salamone is the Oakland County Friend of Court.
22.Defendant Macomb County Circuit Court, Family Division, (MCCC) is the family division of the Macomb County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Macomb County. Hon. Donald Miller is presiding judge of the Family Division.
23. Defendant Macomb County Friend of Court (MFOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Macomb, is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Macomb County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Thomas J. McDonald is the Macomb County Friend of Court.
24. Defendant Monroe County Circuit Court, Family Division, (MOCCC) is the family division of the Monroe County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Monroe County. Hon. John Hollman is presiding judge of the Family Division.
25. Defendant Monroe County Friend of Court (MOFOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Monroe, and is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Monroe County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Maria Zagorski is the Monroe County Friend of Court.
26. Defendant Washtenaw County Circuit Court, Family Division, (WACCC) is the family division of the Washtenaw County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Washtenaw County. Hon. John Hirkendale is presiding judge of the Family Division.
27. Defendant Washtenaw County Friend of Court (WAFOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Washtenaw, and is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Linda Edwards-Brown is the Washtenaw County Friend of Court.
28. Defendant Livingston County Circuit Court, Family Division, (LCCC) is the family division of the Livingston County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Livingston County. Hon. Susan Reckk is presiding judge of the Family Division.
29. Defendant Livingston County Friend of Court (FOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Livingston, is an "office of the friend of the court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Livingston County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Melissa Scharrer is the Lingston County Friend of Court.
30. Defendant Genesee County Circuit Court, Family Division, (GCCC) is the family division of the Genesee County Circuit Court having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the issuance and enforcement of support orders for Genesee County. Hon. Duncan Beagle is presiding judge of the Family Division.
31. Defendant Genesee County Friend of Court (GFOC), is operated and maintained by the County of Genesee, is an "office of the friend of court" created pursuant to Section 3 of the Michigan Friend of Court Act, being MCLA 552.502, empowered by Michigan statute and Court Rule with responsibility for initiating proceedings to enforce orders and judgments issued by the Genesee County Circuit Court for support, visitation and custody. Jennie Barkey is the Genesee County Friend of Court.
32. DAVID M. FINDLING, ESQ., a/k/a the "GARBAGE MAN" ("DMF") is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and is a principal/shareholder of FINDLING LAW FIRM PLC.
33. FINDLING LAW FIRM P.L.C. ("FLF") is the employer and principle of DMF and in whose name and under whose direction the illegal acts and scheme complained of herein were carried out. Upon information and belief, FLF and DMF are the principal architects and/or primary facilitators of a new illegal and unconstitutional policy, practice and procedure implemented by Defendants to use state court appointed receiverships as a post Judgment child support enforcement device; to illegally take private property without due process of law or just compensation in violation of the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 17 of the Michigan Constitution, and, in violation of applicable state statutes and court rules; to illegally profit thereby through large volumes of illegal and improper court appointments obtained from Defendants, the charging of excessive and illegal fees, and, the failure to properly pay and account for moneys and funds illegally obtained from the sale/liquidation of illegally seized property, and, the failure to properly credit/apply such moneys and funds in accordance with statutorily proscribed priorities; all in exchange for assisting and facilitating the illegal acts and activities of Defendants complained of herein for the purpose of preserving Defendants’ share of federal revenue sharing monies.
COUNT II: ALL DEFENDANTS
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
34. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations contained in paragraphs 1-33 above.
35. At all times relevant hereto, Plaintiff has been an attorney licensed to practice law by the Michigan Supreme Court and the holder of various and sundry drivers and other licenses issued by the State of Michigan and/or its political subdivisions.
36. On or about December, 1991, Plaintiff was divorced by a Judgment of the WCCC.
37. From approximately 1992 through the current date, Plaintiff has been subject to the provisions of the Act and Enforcement Act as a payer of support for minor children pursuant to the judgment and orders of the WCCC.
38. From 1992 through the current date, Plaintiff has been the target of approximately eight (8) enforcement proceedings initiated by Defendant WCFOC before Defendant WCCC relating to alleged support arrearages and commenced by the issuance of illegal and unconstitutional show cause orders ("SCOs") and/or illegal and unconstitutional bench warrants ("BWs") issued by Defendant WCFOC under the authority of and in complicity with Defendant WCCC.
39. Upon information and belief, the remaining Defendants "offices of friend of court" and Defendants circuit courts follow the same practices and procedures employed by Defendants WCCC and WCFOC for initiating and conducting support enforcement.
40. Upon information and belief, Defendant FOCB, acting in the name and under the authority of Defendant State of Michigan, designs, proscribes and approves the illegal and unconstitutional procedures and practices used by Defendants "offices of friend of courts" and Defendants circuit courts for the enforcement of child support orders.
41. On or about August 24, 1998, Defendant WCFOC issued the letter attached hereto as Exhibit A initiating a hearing before Defendant WCCC to suspend Plaintiff’s license to practice law in Michigan based upon an alleged child support arrearage.
42. In August, 1998, Plaintiff discovered that his child support account/balance had been illegally and improperly increased by Defendant WCFOC on March 13, 1998, by a computerized memo entry in the amount of $ 2,774.28, See, Exhibit B, for which no order had ever been entered by Defendant WCCC and while a properly filed Objection and Demand for De Novo Judicial hearing had been properly filed with Defendant WCCC and properly served on Defendant WCFOC. See, Exhibits C and D.
43. On or about September 4, 1998, Plaintiff filed an action in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Case No. 98-CV-73896-DT (Federal Case) against Defendants WCCC and WCFOC under 28 USC 1983 for violation of Plaintiff’s federally protected, constitutionally guaranteed rights to due process of law based upon the issuance of illegal and unconstitutional SCOs and BWs and the failure and refusal of Defendants WCCC and WCFOC to follow and obey Michigan statutes and court rules governing notice, hearing and de novo judicial hearing in the course of child support enforcement proceedings.
44. On or about February 2, 1999, while the Federal Case was pending decision, Defendants WCFOC and WCCC issued yet another illegal and unconstitutional SCO and BW for an alleged child support arrearage which they knew was incorrect and inaccurate and which they knew included the amount of the illegal adjustment made to Plaintiff’s account by Defendant WCFOC without proper court order.
46. On or about February 25, 1999, Defendant WCFOC did unlawfully conduct a show cause hearing pursuant to the illegal and invalid SCO at which Plaintiff did not appear.
47. Thereafter, on February 25, 1999, Defendant WCCC, the Hon. J.W. Callahan presiding, without notice, hearing, or even conducting a proceeding on the record, did suae sponte appoint DMF and FLF as a post judgment domestic relations receiver over Plaintiff by telephone call.
48. On February 25, 1999, at the time Defendant WCCC appointed DMF and FLF as post judgment domestic relations receiver over Plaintiff:
49. Thereafter, Defendant DWF and FLF did present for entry by Defendant WCCC an order which, upon information and belief, is their standard form post judgment domestic relations receivership Order used in Defendant circuit courts, appointing DMF and FLF as post judgment domestic relations receiver over Plaintiff, See, Exhibit E, which Order contained numerous violations of applicable federal and Michigan law, including:
50. Upon information and belief, it is the common and established practice and procedure of Defendants WCCC and WCFOC, and, the remaining Defendants "offices of friend of court" and circuit courts to suspend licenses, and, appoint and employ post judgment domestic relations receivers in the same or similar manner and using the same illegal and unconstitutional practices and procedures in violation of MCLA 552.625b.
51.Upon information and belief, the practices and procedures used by Defendants WCFOC and WCCC for the suspension of licenses, and, the appointment and employment of post judgment domestic relations receivers, and/or the seizure of real and personal property of support payers, is known to, authorized and approved by Defendant FOCB in the name and under the authority of Defendant State of Michigan.
52. Upon information and belief, Defendants DMF and FLF receive a majority of the appointments as post judgment domestic relations receiver from Defendants within the seven (7) county metropolitan area and are the persons who have actively solicited and encouraged Defendants to illegally make use of this device, in violation of applicable law, as a child support enforcement mechanism.
53. On or about September 30, 1999, the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, the Hon. Denise Paige Hood presiding, issued its Declaratory Judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants WCCC and WCFOC declaring the SCOs and BWs issued by said Defendants to be illegal and unconstitutional in violation of Plaintiff’s federally protected, constitutionally guaranteed right to due process of law under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. See, Exhibit G.
54. Upon information and belief, DMF and FLF have charged and propose to have Defendant WCCC asses against Plaintiff $17,348.25 in excessive and unreasonable receiver/attorney fees and costs for acting as a post judgment domestic relations receiver over Plaintiff; without having collected any support whatsoever, or, performing any acts as receiver; and, which they expect Defendant WCCC to approve and impose against Plaintiff in violation of MCR 6.222. See, Exhibit F.
COUNT III: LICENSE SUSPENSIONS
VIOLATION OF MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION
" No person… shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. The right of individuals … to fair and just treatment in the course of legislative and executive investigations and hearings shall not be infringed."
" The powers of government shall be divided into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. No person exercising powers of one branch shall exercise powers properly belonging to another branch except as expressly provided in this Constitution."
" All final decrees, findings, rulings and orders of any administrative officer or agency … which are judicial or quasi judicial and affect private rights or licenses, shall be subject to direct review by the courts as provided by law."
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring MCLA 552.628 unconstitutional under the Michigan Constitution; ordering the immediate rescission of all license suspensions ordered by Defendants circuit courts and all other circuit courts in Michigan pursuant to MCLA 552.628 since January 1, 1997; and, permanently enjoining all further and additional suspensions of any license by Defendants or by any circuit court or "office of friend of court" in the state of Michigan pursuant to MCLA 552.628.
COUNT IV: LICENSE SUSPENSIONS
VIOLATION OF U. S. CONSTITUTION
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring MCLA 552.628 unconstitutional under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution; ordering rescission of all license suspensions ordered by Defendants circuit courts and all other circuit courts in Michigan pursuant to MCLA 552.628 since January 1, 1997; and, permanently enjoining further and additional suspensions of licenses by Defendants circuit courts and all other circuit courts in Michigan pursuant to MCLA 552.628.
COUNT V : LICENSE SUSPENSIONS
VIOLATON OF MICHIGAN STATUTE
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring the policies, practices and procedures approved and authorized by Defendant FOCB and used and employed by Defendants circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" to be illegal, unconstitutional, and, to violate the due process clauses of the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions; ordering rescission of all license suspensions by these Defendants and by all circuit courts in Michigan pursuant to MCLA 552.628 since January 1, 1997; and, permanently enjoining the further suspension of licenses by these Defendants and by all circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan until such time as lawful and proper procedures which protect the rights of support payers in Michigan and guarantee proper notice, hearing and due process in accordance with the requirements of law are enacted and followed.
COUNT VI: POST JUDGMENT DOMESTIC RELATIONS RECEIVERSHIPS
FACIAL VIOLATION OF MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring MCLA 552.625b unconstitutional under the Michigan Constitution; rescinding all appointments of post judgment receivers, all seizures and sales of real and personal property made pursuant to MCLA 552.625b by these Defendants and by all "offices of friend of court" in Michigan; ordering restitution of all such property and/or the proceeds of any such sales; ordering an accounting for all such property or proceeds seized or sold and any and all fees, expenses and costs incurred or deducted from such property or proceeds; and, permanently enjoining these Defendants and all circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan from and against the seizure and sale of real and personal property of support payers, and, the appointment of post judgment domestic relations receivers pursuant to MCLA 552.625b.
COUNT VII: POST JUDGMENT DOMESTIC RELATIONS RECEIVERS
FACIAL VIOLATION OF U.S. CONSTITUTION
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring MCLA 552.625b unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution; rescinding all seizures and sales of real and personal property and all appointments of post judgment domestic relations receivers by these Defendants and by all other circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan made pursuant to MCLA 552.625b since August 10, 1998; ordering restitution of all real and personal property of support payers seized by these Defendants and by all other circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan or by their post judgment domestic relations receivers pursuant to MCLA 552.625b since August 10, 1998; ordering an accounting for any such property seized or sold and for all fees, costs and expenses paid or deducted from such property or proceeds; and, permanently enjoining these Defendants and all circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan from and against the seizure and/or sale of private property, and, the appointment of post judgment domestic relations receivers pursuant to MCLA 552.625b.
COUNT VIII: POST JUDGMENT DOMESTIC RELATIONS RECEIVERSHIPS
FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATE STATUTORY VIOLATIONS AND PRACTICES
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring the seizure and sale of real and personal property of support payers, and, the appointment of post judgment domestic relations receivers, in violation of and/or without full compliance with the conditions and requirements of MCLA 552.625b to be illegal, invalid, and, in violation of the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions; ordering rescission of all such illegal and unconstitutional seizures and sales of real and personal property, and, all appointments of post judgment domestic relations receivers since August 10, 1998 in violation of statute and the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions; ordering an accounting for all such seizures sales, and, appointments, and, of the application of all proceeds thereof; ordering restitution of all illegally and unconstitutionally seized real and personal property and/or proceeds of the sale thereof, whether or not through the device of a post judgment domestic relations receiver; ordering restitution of all fees, costs and expenses paid to, for , or, on behalf of DMF, FLF, and/or any and all other such illegally appointed receivers; and, permanently enjoining these Defendants and all other circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan from and against: (a) further and future seizures and sales of real and personal property of support payers in the State of Michigan, with or without the appointment of post judgment domestic relations receivers, without full compliance with and/or in violation of applicable law, (b) further and future appointment of post judgment domestic relations receivers without full compliance with and/or in violation of applicable law, and, (c) the further and future illegal use of liens, encumbrances, sales and/or seizures of real and personal property of support payers in Michigan, through any device, as a child support enforcement and collection mechanism.
COUNT IX: VIOLATION OF STATUTE AND COURT RULES
ILLEGAL AND UNCONTITUTIONAL REFEREE AND JUDICIAL HEARINGS
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court issue its Declaratory Judgment declaring the actions, practices and procedures used, applied, engaged in, and, complained of herein directed at Plaintiff and the members of the class to be illegal, unconstitutional, and, in violation of applicable statutes and court rules; permanently enjoining these Defendants, each and every one of them, and, the remaining circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan from and against further, additional and future violations of applicable statutes, court rules, and, violations of the rights of Plaintiff and the members of the class guaranteed and protected under the Michigan and U.S. Constitutions; and, ordering Defendants FOCB and State of Michigan to prepare, implement and enforce policies, practices, procedures and guidelines specifically designed to prevent further violations and illegal conduct by these Defendants and all circuit courts and "offices of friend of court" in Michigan, and, to protect and enforce the rights of Plaintiff and the members of the class guaranteed under the Michigan and U.S. Constitutions.
COUNT X: CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
130. Plaintiff brings this action as a class action pursuant to MCR 3.501 on behalf of all persons within the seven (7) county metropolitan jurisdictions, and, throughout the State of Michigan, subject domestic relations parenting time orders and post judgment enforcement and collection of child support in domestic relations actions.
131. The members of the class are so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. The disposition of these claims in a class action will provide substantial benefits to the parties and the Court. During the Class Period, it is estimated that more than Two Million (2,000,000) persons within the State of Michigan were and remain subject to post judgment enforcement and collection of child support.
132. There is a well defined community of interest in the questions of law and fact involved in this case. The questions of law and fact common to the members of the Class which predominate over questions which may effect individual Class members include the following:
(a). Whether Defendants have and continue to violate the provisions of the U.S. and Michigan constitutions in connection with post judgment enforcement of parenting time orders and collection of child support; and, specifically, the illegal suspension of licenses and the illegal seizure and taking of private property without due process of law.
(b) Whether Defendants have and continue to violate Michigan statutory requirements and standards in connection with the post judgment enforcement of parenting time orders and collection of child support; and, specifically, the illegal suspension of licenses and the illegal seizure and taking of private property without due process of law.
(c) Whether Defendants have and continue to violate the requirements and standards of applicable Michigan Court Rules in connection with the post judgment enforcement of parenting time orders and collection of child support; and, specifically, the illegal suspension of licenses and the illegal seizure and taking of private property without due process of law.
(d) Whether Defendants know, have reason to know, or, recklessly disregard applicable constitutional, statutory and rule standards, guidelines, protections, and, requirements in the course of post judgment enforcement of parenting time orders and collection of child support; and, specifically, the illegal suspension of licenses and the illegal seizure and taking of private property without due process of law.
(e) Whether Defendants and their agents should be compelled to account for and disgorge illegal profits, payments and revenues generated from and/or in the course of these illegal and unconstitutional actions; and, specifically, the illegal seizure and taking of private property without due process of law.
(f) Whether Defendants and their agents should be compelled to make restitution for all private property illegally seized and taken in violation of constitutionally protected and guaranteed rights to due process of law and/or in violation of applicable standards and procedures imposed by statute and court rule.
133. Plaintiff’s claims are typical of those of the Class because Plaintiff and all other class members throughout the State of Michigan are subject to the identical regulatory, administrative, and, enforcement scheme, and, the constitutional, statutory, and, rule made rights, standards, and, protections which have and continue to be violated are identical.
134. The prosecution of separate actions by individual Class members would create a risk of inconsistent and varying adjudications and would confront Defendants with varying and incompatible standards of conduct.
135. The prosecution of separate actions by individual Class members would create a risk of inconsistent and varying adjudications that would, as a practical matter, be dispositive of the interests of other absent members and would substantially impair or impede the ability of absent members to protect their interests.
136. Plaintiff will fairly and adequately assert and protect the interests of the Class. Plaintiff’s counsel is experienced in complex constitutional, civil rights and governmental regulatory litigation. Plaintiff has no interests which conflict with those of the Class.
137. A class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of these issues for the reasons that:
JURY DEMAND
Now comes Plaintiff on behalf of himself and all members of the class and demands a trial by jury of all issues so triable.
Respectfully Submitted,
TROMBLY TINDALL P.C.
BY:____________________________
MICHAEL E. TINDALL
For the Firm
Dated:________
INDEX OF EXHIBITS TO CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
LETTER INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO SUSPEND LICENSE, AUGUST 24, 1998