(1) There is established in the circuit court in each judicial circuit a stipulation assignment fee fund. A stipulation assignment fee of $250.00 shall be paid into the fund by each party to the action. The fee is not refundable.

    (2) The total fees received pursuant to subsection (1) shall be used for the provision of civil legal services through the legal aid and defender association of Detroit or through existing legal services and legal aid programs funded by the legal services corporation. By January 30 of each year, the circuit court shall distribute the fees received during the previous calendar year pursuant to subsection (1) solely to the existing civil legal services programs within its judicial circuit. If more than 1 civil legal service program exists within the judicial circuit, each program shall receive an equal share of the funds.