Understanding Child Support in Michigan
April 11, 2023
Understanding Child Support in Michigan
For anyone who is separated, divorced or has a child with someone they are not married to, child support is something that they might have to deal with. Child support is a financial assistance that ensures that the child has access to basic needs like clothing, food, medical care, and other necessities. It’s the responsibility of both parents, but in reality, most of the time, one parent is usually burdened with most of the expenses. So, is it mandatory to pay child support in Michigan? How is it calculated? What happens when you cannot pay or your ex refuses to pay? These are some of the crucial questions we will address in this blog post.
If you are unable to pay child support due to job loss or other reasons, do not ignore the situation. Contact your local child support office immediately to try and modify the support order. Michigan Child Support Services (CSS) can help you file the necessary forms to ask for a modification in the existing order. Keep in mind that if you ignore the court order to pay child support, you may face serious consequences like suspension of driver’s license, seizure of income tax refunds, or even jail time.
Sometimes, parents with the obligation to pay child support fails to do so, which is a serious offense. If your ex-refuses to pay, you can seek help from an experienced family law attorney. Your lawyer can help you file a motion to enforce child support payments, which will be presented to the judge in court. The judge can then order your ex to make the payment or face penalties. It’s essential to keep good documentation of what is owed and when, so that there is no dispute about the amount of child support payments owed.
No. Child support payments in Michigan do not automatically stop when the child turns 18. Generally, child support ends when the child graduates high school or turns 19, whichever comes first. Other reasons a court may terminate child support early may involve the child becoming emancipated or if the child is serving in the military. Note that if you have an existing child support obligation and believe that it should be terminated or modified, it is recommended to contact a family law attorney who can analyze your particular case.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
 In Michigan, child support is determined using a specific formula based on the state's Child Support Guidelines. The formula takes into account factors such as the number of children involved, each parent's income, and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent. While the formula is the same statewide, judges still have some discretion in setting support amounts that are in the best interests of the child.What Happens If I Am Unable to Pay Child Support?
If you are unable to pay child support due to job loss or other reasons, do not ignore the situation. Contact your local child support office immediately to try and modify the support order. Michigan Child Support Services (CSS) can help you file the necessary forms to ask for a modification in the existing order. Keep in mind that if you ignore the court order to pay child support, you may face serious consequences like suspension of driver’s license, seizure of income tax refunds, or even jail time.
What Are My Options If My Ex Refuses to Pay Child Support?
Sometimes, parents with the obligation to pay child support fails to do so, which is a serious offense. If your ex-refuses to pay, you can seek help from an experienced family law attorney. Your lawyer can help you file a motion to enforce child support payments, which will be presented to the judge in court. The judge can then order your ex to make the payment or face penalties. It’s essential to keep good documentation of what is owed and when, so that there is no dispute about the amount of child support payments owed.
Do Child Support Payments Stop Once the Child is 18?
No. Child support payments in Michigan do not automatically stop when the child turns 18. Generally, child support ends when the child graduates high school or turns 19, whichever comes first. Other reasons a court may terminate child support early may involve the child becoming emancipated or if the child is serving in the military. Note that if you have an existing child support obligation and believe that it should be terminated or modified, it is recommended to contact a family law attorney who can analyze your particular case.
Child support cases can be contentious and complicated, but it’s essential to put the child first. Child support payments are about making sure that the child receives adequate support and care from both parents no matter the circumstances. At Zanolli Family Law, P.C, we understand the challenges facing Michigan families, and we are here to offer our legal services. Contact us today for all your family law issues.
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