Karren v. State Department of Social Services

DURHAM, Justice:

This is an appeal from a trial court decision upholding an administrative order requiring plaintiff to reimburse the State Department of Social Services (DSS) for funds advanced by DSS to plaintiffs former husband for the support of their minor children. For the reasons stated below, we reverse.

In October 1972, plaintiff and her former husband obtained a divorce in the Circuit Court of Macomb County, Michigan. The decree provided for the custody, support, and maintenance of the couple’s minor children. The father was awarded custody of two of the children, and plaintiff was…