Michigan § 712A.10 - Designation of probation officer or county agent as referee; duties of referee.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.10 — Designation of probation officer or county agent as referee; duties of referee., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 712A.10. Designation of probation officer or county agent as referee; duties of referee.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) and sections 14, 14a, and 14b of this chapter, the judge may designate a probation officer or county agent to act as referee in taking the testimony of witnesses and hearing the statements of parties upon the hearing of petitions alleging that a child is within the provisions of this chapter, if there is no objection by parties in interest. The probation officer or county agent designated to act as referee shall do all of the following:
(a) Take and subscribe the oath of office provided by the constitution.
(b) Administer oaths and examine witnesses.
(c) If a case requires a hearing and the taking of testimony, make a written signed report to the judge containing a summary of the testimony taken and a recommendation for the court's findings and disposition.
(2) If a child is before the court under section 2(a)(1) of this chapter, a probation officer or county agent who is not licensed to practice law in this state shall not be designated to act as a referee in any hearing for the child, except the preliminary inquiry or preliminary hearing. This subsection does not apply to a probation officer or county agent who has been designated to act as a referee by the judge before January 1, 1988 and who is acting as a referee as of January 1, 1988.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 712A.10
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.10 cover?
Section 712A.10 ("Designation of probation officer or county agent as referee; duties of referee.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 712A.10?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.10" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 712A.10 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.