Michigan Child Support

Quick Guide to Michigan Child Support

Information on Michigan Child Support

Michigan’s child support calculation is determined using a large number of determining factors. All of the information listed in this article is taken from the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual that becomes effective on January 1, 2013. There have been noteworthy changes to Michigan law on child support.

Guidelines and Determining Factors for Michigan Child Support

An equation for Michigan child support is listed below, and there are a large number of determining factors that account for figures within the equation. According to Section 1.04 of Michigan’s Child Support Formula Manual, deviation factors for the figures include the following:

• the child has special needs

• the child has large education expenses

• either parent is a minor

• either parent has enough income to raise the child’s standard of living above the public assistance threshold

• there is a large amount of jointly accumulated debt

• the court awards property in lieu of support for the benefit of the child

• either parent is incarcerated with low means to income

• either parent has high medical expenses

• a parent has a higher income than the formula considers

• either parent receives bonuses at irregular intervals

• some other than the parent supplies healthcare coverage for the child

• either parent provides most the Michigan child support for a stepchild

• a child has extraordinary means to income

• a parent is ordered to pay mortgage installments, insurance premiums, utilities, and more before the final judgment

• either parent has paid significant fines associated with no paying Michigan child support

• either parent has declared bankruptcy

• a parent significantly provides for the child’s care costs

• the child spends a large amount of time in custody of a third party

• a spouse is receiving spousal support

• when over 50% of the parent’s income goes to the care of the child

• any other factor considered by the court for Michigan’s child support formula

How does Michigan’s Child Support Formula Work?

Michigan child support is determined using the following formula. For explanation on the figures, reference the sections provided for the manual listed in this article:

{A + [B x (C – D)]} x E= G

A= Base Support (column 3)

B= Marginal percentage (column 4)

C= Monthly net family income (Section 3.02(b)(1))

D=Monthly income level (column 1)

E= Parent’s percentage share of family income (Section 3.01(b)(1))

G= base support obligation using general equation

Michigan Child Support Collection Unit

Michigan’s child support collection unit operates under the Department of Human Services. If the supporting party has failed to make payments or is behind on payments, you should contact the collection unit as soon as possible.

You can also find information on frequently asked questions and other important information, such as tax exemptions, under the Department of Human Services.

Child support claims in Michigan are the responsibility of the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System and the county prosecutor handles claims to establish child support obligations. Non-custodial parents are obligated to pay child support until the child turns 18, or 19.5 if the child remains in high school. Only then can a child support obligation be terminated. Medical support is also a mandatory provision in Michigan child support obligations and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, childcare support is necessary if the custodial parent must use the services of a childcare service while working or seeking education. Income withholding is that mandatory means for paying child support in Michigan, unless the parents establish alternate provisions for the payment of child support. These payments are processed by the Michigan State Disbursement Unit. Child support claims can be reviewed every two years or if there is a significant change in the financial status of either parent.

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