A child support order in Michigan is intended to provide children with consistent financial resources.. These orders aim to ensure that both parents have the financial means to provide the basic needs for their child, such as clothing, food, and shelter.
Being the subject of a child support order may feel overwhelming. However, it is important that you contact a Michigan child support attorney to understand your legal rights when it comes to specific provisions and requirements contained within a support order. Attorney Lisa Stern has extensive experience helping individuals ensure that the support amount ordered is accurate based upon the facts and circumstances presented.
Factors that Influence Child Support in Michigan
The Michigan State Child Support Formula Manual lists several factors that influence the amount of a child support order. These include:
- The income of the mother
- The income of the father
- The total number of minor children of the involved parties
- Each party’s share of overnight parenting time
- Whether either party has other support obligations
- Childcare costs for the children in the case
- Costs for healthcare coverage
- The custody of other children not a party to the order
When to Request or Modify a Child Support Order
If you are paying child support and you believe that your order is too high, it may be appropriate to request a modification of your child support order. The court will consider various factors when determining whether the order should be modified. These include:
Changes in Income
If either parent experiences a significant change in their income, whether an increase or decrease, the amount of support may warrant review and adjustment.
Unemployment
If the paying parent loses their job or becomes unable to work due to a disability or another reason, that could be grounds for modification.
Custody Changes
If there is a change in how much time the child spends with either parent, a modification can help reflect the changes in the parents’ financial responsibilities.
Changes in the Child’s Needs
If there are changes to the child’s education, health, or general welfare, an adjustment may be necessary.
The Birth of a Child
If either parent has more children, it may impact their financial situation and provide grounds for child support modification.
Getting Help from a Michigan Child Support Attorney
The process of calculating child support in Michigan can be complex as it often involves a detailed analysis of the financial circumstances of the parents, the needs of the child, and other financial obligations. For this reason, it is important to have a Michigan child support attorney to guide you through the process.
Attorney Lisa Stern has more than two and a half decades of experience helping parents across Michigan achieve appropriatechild support orders.
Let Attorney Lisa Stern Help You
If you are in the process of establishing a child support order, reaching out for legal help early on is crucial. Child support is due and owing as of the date of the request for support. Michigan child support attorney Lisa Stern can help you understand your rights. She understands the emotional and financial challenges you may face due to an unfair order. Lisa Stern will help you present evidence in support of your position and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Contact our law firm today for a confidential consultation.