Child support is a central part of many divorce settlements in Michigan. In many cases, the child will reside with one parent for the majority of time with the other parent paying child support. Child support serves the main purpose of helping to support the child’s daily needs such as food, clothing, school, and routine medical expenses. A parent who is paying child support each month may wonder when this support will end.
In Michigan, child support typically ends when a child turns 18 or can be extended to age 19 1/2 , if the child is still in high school and lives with the custodial parent. If a child has certain mental or physical disabilities, they may qualify for continued child support payments. The parent can petition the court for child support payments as long as:
- The non-minor child is not emancipated.
- The disability did not develop after the child was no longer eligible for child support.
Child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula. It is based on:
- The parents’ incomes.
- Custody and parenting time arrangements.
- The number of children supported.
- Medical and child-care costs.
- And other factors
There are certain situations in which a parent may need the child support modified. Michigan allows child support payments to be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. These may include:
- A parent losing a job.
- A parent obtaining a pay increase.
- The child’s needs requiring more support.
- Medical issues affecting a parent’s ability to make payments.
- Change in custody arrangement.
- A parent having additional children.
Those who have questions regarding child support in Michigan may want to speak with an attorney who specializes in family law. An attorney can help their client understand how child support is calculated, help them with modifications to child support, and make sure their best interests and the needs of the child are protected.