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Child support is a specified amount of money that one parent of a
minor child pays to the other parent for the support of that child.
In most cases, one parent will have primary custody of the minor
child and the other parent will be ordered to pay child support to
the parent having primary custody. Child support orders may be
issued as part of a divorce settlement, family support case,
paternity action, or interstate child support case. Child
support continues until a child reaches the age of 18 or
graduates from high school, whichever is later, but does not
continue past the age of 19 ½.
In 1987, Michigan began to use a standard child support
formula . The purpose of the formula is to ensure that children
receive adequate financial support based upon their needs and the
actual resources of each parent. The formula takes into account
factors such as the income of each parent, family size, child care
expenses, other minor children, and preexisting support orders.
The amount of child support charged to a parent is determined by
using this formula. If a judge sets an amount different from
the amount recommended by the formula, the reasons must be stated
either in writing or on the record.
The Michigan
Support and Parenting Time Enforcement Act gives the Friend
of the Court the authority to enforce a court's order of child
support. Generally, each county in Michigan has its own Friend
of the Court office to assist parents with collecting or modifying
child support. Under federal and Michigan law, failure to pay
child support may be a felony criminal offense.
In this case, instead of the Friend of the Court seeking
enforcement, charges will be brought by county prosecutors or the
Michigan Attorney General. Federal charges are filed and
prosecuted by the United States Attorney's office. Under these
laws, not paying child support can result in arrest and even
imprisonment. More information can be found at the Michigan
courts
Child and Spousal Support Self Help Center. |
(313)886-5769 | info@nesilawyers.com
