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A Caring Child Support Attorney You Can Turn To

A child has the inherent right to the support of his or her parents, regardless of whether the parents are divorced, no longer in a relationship together or no longer living together. The purpose of child support is not to punish the parent ordered to pay, nor is it intended as a reward to the parent receiving the money. Child support is simply for the benefit of the child.

How Courts Determine Child Support

The amount of child support a parent must pay is based on the child’s needs and the parents’ ability to pay. The amount is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula.

There are three fixed elements for the child support formula:

  • The income of both parents
  • The number of children
  • The number of overnights the children spend with each parent

Although the amount is determined by a formula, the court will allow the number to be deviated down under certain circumstances, including:

  • The child has special needs
  • The child has extraordinary educational expenses
  • The court has awarded property in lieu of support

Child support is generally paid through Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MISDU). Using MISDU allows the parties to keep accurate records and makes it easier to manage the process.

Guidance You Can Trust

To learn more about child support, please contact Delia A. Miller, PLLC, online or call 248-453-9142 to schedule your initial consultation.