Michigan Child Support Order

A Michigan child support order is the legal document that establishes a parent's financial obligation to support their children. Whether you're going through a divorce, separation, or paternity case, understanding how to obtain a child support order and what it contains is essential for protecting your children's financial wellbeing. The Michigan child support order system provides structure and consistency throughout the state, ensuring children receive the support they need while treating both parents fairly.

If you're navigating the Michigan child support system for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed by the process. From understanding what a child support order includes to knowing how to get one established, modify it when circumstances change, or enforce it when payments aren't made, there's substantial information to absorb. The Office of Child Support, Friend of the Court, and Michigan Child Support Enforcement System all work together to help families establish and maintain child support orders.

What Is a Michigan Child Support Order?

A Michigan child support order is a court order issued by a judge that legally requires one parent (the payer) to provide financial support for their children to the other parent (the payee). This court order establishes specific amounts and terms that both parents must follow.

The Uniform Child Support Order (UCSO)

In Michigan, all child support orders must use a standardized form called the Uniform Child Support Order, abbreviated as UCSO. Michigan Court Rules require this specific format to ensure consistency across all 83 Michigan counties. The Uniform Child Support Order governs the terms of child support for the life of the order unless it's modified by the court.

Why Michigan Uses a Uniform Order:

  • Ensures consistency statewide
  • Makes orders easier to understand
  • Simplifies enforcement across county lines
  • Allows the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System to process orders efficiently
  • Provides clear terms that both parents can follow

Key Components of a Michigan Child Support Order

Every Michigan child support order contains several essential components that establish each parent's financial obligations:

1. Base Support Amount:

  • Regular monthly payment for basic child expenses
  • Covers housing, food, clothing, transportation, and general needs
  • Calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula
  • Based on both parents' incomes and parenting time

2. Medical Support Obligations:

  • Ordinary medical expenses (currently $454 annually for one child)
  • Covers predictable costs like co-pays and deductibles
  • Additional medical expenses beyond ordinary amount
  • Health insurance coverage requirement
  • Percentage split of uninsured medical costs

3. Child Care Expenses:

  • Based on actual, documented costs
  • Must be work or education-related
  • Only included when there's an established pattern
  • Split between parents based on income percentages

4. Payment Instructions:

  • Identifies who pays and who receives
  • Specifies where payments should be sent (usually Michigan State Disbursement Unit)
  • Includes case docket number and payment identification requirements
  • Sets payment schedule (typically monthly)

5. Income Withholding Authorization:

  • Allows automatic deduction from payer's wages
  • Sent to payer's employer
  • Ensures consistent, timely payments

How Long a Child Support Order Lasts

A Michigan child support order remains in effect until:

  • The child turns 18 years old (standard termination age)
  • The child turns 19½ if still in high school full-time with reasonable expectation of graduating
  • The child is emancipated
  • The child is adopted by another person
  • The court modifies or terminates the order
  • The child passes away

Support obligations don't automatically end when a child reaches the termination age. The order remains legally binding until officially terminated by the court or by operation of law.

How to Get a Michigan Child Support Order

The process for obtaining a Michigan child support order depends on your specific situation. There are several pathways to establishing a child support order in Michigan.

Getting a Child Support Order Through Divorce or Custody Cases

The most common way to obtain a Michigan child support order is as part of a divorce case or custody case.

In a Divorce Case:

When filing for divorce with minor children, your Complaint for Divorce should include a request for child support. The process typically follows these steps:

  1. File Complaint for Divorce requesting child support
  2. File Application for IV-D Child Support Services (form DHS-1046)
  3. File Verified Statement (form FOC 23) with financial information
  4. Serve the defendant with all documents
  5. Friend of the Court investigates and calculates support
  6. FOC makes recommended Uniform Child Support Order
  7. If no objections, recommendation becomes final order
  8. If objections filed, judge holds hearing and decides

In a Custody Case (Unmarried Parents):

When parents were never married, child support is established through a custody case after paternity has been established:

  1. Establish paternity through Affidavit of Parentage or court action
  2. File Complaint for Custody requesting child support
  3. File Application for IV-D Child Support Services
  4. File Verified Statement with financial information
  5. Friend of the Court investigates and recommends support amount
  6. FOC prepares recommended Uniform Child Support Order
  7. Order becomes final unless a party objects

Do-It-Yourself Tools:

Michigan Legal Help provides free Do-It-Yourself tools that help you prepare all necessary forms for divorce or custody cases, including child support requests. These tools guide you through the questions and automatically complete the proper forms.

Applying for Child Support Services Without a Court Case

If you don't have a divorce or custody case and need child support, you can apply for child support services through the Office of Child Support.

How to Apply:

  1. Visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website
  2. Complete the online application for child support services
  3. Provide information about yourself, the other parent, and your children
  4. Submit the application electronically

What Happens After You Apply:

After submitting your application, the Office of Child Support sends your information to the local Prosecuting Attorney (PA) office or Friend of the Court. The PA or FOC then:

  1. Establishes paternity if needed (when parents weren't married)
  2. Requests financial information from both parents
  3. Calculates support using the Michigan Child Support Formula
  4. Prepares a proposed Uniform Child Support Order
  5. Submits the order to the judge for signature
  6. Notifies both parents of any court hearings

Benefits of This Method:

  • No court filing fees
  • No need to prepare or file forms yourself
  • Professional assistance throughout the process
  • Paternity establishment handled if needed
  • Convenient for parents who can't afford attorneys

This method works well for parents who need support but don't have other family law issues requiring a full court case.

Getting a Child Support Order When Support Was "Reserved"

Sometimes divorce judgments or custody orders are finalized without establishing child support. The order might say child support is "reserved," meaning it wasn't addressed at that time. If your case has reserved support and you now need a child support order, you have three options:

Option 1: File an Agreed Order

If both parents agree on the support amount:

  1. Use the MiChildSupport Calculator to calculate support
  2. Complete a Uniform Child Support Order with the calculated amounts
  3. Both parents sign the proposed order
  4. Submit to Friend of the Court for review and approval
  5. FOC forwards approved order to judge for signature

Option 2: Request FOC Assistance

Ask the Friend of the Court to help:

  1. File Request to Reopen Friend of the Court Case
  2. File Application for IV-D Child Support Services
  3. File Verified Statement with current financial information
  4. FOC sends questionnaires or schedules meetings
  5. FOC calculates support and prepares recommended order
  6. Order becomes final unless a party objects

Option 3: File a Motion

File a formal motion requesting child support:

  1. Calculate support using MiChildSupport Calculator
  2. Use Do-It-Yourself Motion to Change or Get Child Support tool
  3. Complete proposed Uniform Child Support Order
  4. File motion, proposed order, and calculator results
  5. Serve other parent with motion documents
  6. Attend hearing where judge decides support amount

Michigan Child Support Formula

The Michigan Child Support Formula is the mathematical calculation used statewide to determine child support amounts. This formula promotes fairness and consistency across Michigan.

How the Formula Calculates Support

The Michigan Child Support Formula considers multiple factors:

Primary Calculation Factors:

Factor

What It Includes

How It Affects Support

Both Parents' Income

Wages, self-employment, investments, certain benefits

Higher combined income increases support

Number of Overnights

Nights per year child spends with each parent

More parenting time reduces payer's obligation

Number of Children

All children covered by the order

More children increase total support

Health Care Costs

Insurance premiums, ordinary medical expenses

Added to base support amount

Child Care Expenses

Actual documented costs for work/education

Added to base support amount

Using the MiChildSupport Calculator

The Office of Child Support provides a free online calculator on the MiChildSupport website that anyone can use to estimate child support amounts.

Information Needed for the Calculator:

  • Both parents' gross monthly income
  • Number of minor children
  • Number of overnights each parent has annually
  • Health insurance premium costs
  • Ordinary medical expense amount ($454 for one child)
  • Child care expenses (if applicable)
  • Other relevant expenses

Steps to Use the Calculator:

  1. Go to the MiChildSupport website
  2. Click on "Resources" then "MiChildSupport Calculator"
  3. Enter requested information for both parents
  4. Review the calculation results
  5. Print the results page for your records

The calculator provides an estimate of what your child support order should be under the Michigan Child Support Formula. While helpful for planning, only a judge can issue an official child support order.

When Support Amounts Can Deviate from the Formula

Michigan law requires judges to order support according to the Michigan Child Support Formula unless the calculated amount would be "unjust or inappropriate." Even when both parents agree to a different amount, they must convince the judge that the formula result is unfair.

Requesting a Deviation:

To request support different from the formula calculation, you must:

  1. Calculate support using the Michigan Child Support Formula
  2. Complete a Uniform Child Support Order Deviation Addendum
  3. Explain why the formula amount is unjust or inappropriate
  4. Explain how the proposed amount better serves the child's interests
  5. Present evidence supporting your deviation request

Common Deviation Factors:

The Michigan Child Support Formula Manual lists 20 factors that may justify deviation. Common examples include:

  • High income of one or both parents
  • Special needs of the child requiring extra expenses
  • Extraordinary educational expenses
  • Significant assets of either parent
  • Child support obligations for children from other relationships
  • Substantial parenting time that reduces expenses

Proving deviation is appropriate is difficult and typically requires attorney assistance. The judge must make specific written findings justifying any departure from the formula.

The Role of the Friend of the Court in Your Child Support Order

The Friend of the Court (FOC) plays a central role in Michigan child support cases. Understanding what the FOC does helps you navigate the child support order process effectively.

Friend of the Court Responsibilities

Each Michigan county has a Friend of the Court office that provides services in family law cases involving children.

What the FOC Does:

Investigation and Recommendations:

  • Investigates financial circumstances of both parents
  • Calculates child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula
  • Prepares recommended Uniform Child Support Orders
  • Provides recommendations to judges on support matters

Order Processing:

  • Prepares proposed child support orders
  • Reviews agreed orders submitted by parents
  • Ensures orders comply with Michigan law
  • Submits orders to judges for signature

Payment Administration:

  • Works with Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) to process payments
  • Tracks payment history
  • Credits payments to appropriate accounts
  • Provides payment records to parents

Enforcement Services:

  • Monitors compliance with child support orders
  • Takes action when ordered payments aren't made
  • Pursues various enforcement methods
  • Files motions for contempt when necessary

Review Services:

  • Reviews child support orders every 36 months (when recipient gets public assistance)
  • Reviews upon written request (once every 36 months)
  • Recommends modifications when circumstances change

Contacting Your Friend of the Court Office

Each county operates its own Friend of the Court office with specific contact information, office hours, and procedures.

Ways to Contact Your FOC:

  • In Person: Visit during business hours at your county court office
  • By Phone: Call your county's FOC phone number
  • By Mail: Send correspondence to your county FOC address
  • Online: Some counties offer online contact forms or portals

You can find your county's Friend of the Court office contact information on the MiChildSupport website resources page or through the Michigan Courts website. Your FOC office can answer questions about your child support case, provide forms, explain local procedures, and help resolve issues.

Making Payments Under a Michigan Child Support Order

Once a Michigan child support order is established, the payer must make payments as ordered. Understanding payment procedures ensures compliance and proper credit for payments.

Where to Send Child Support Payments

Unless your court order specifically states otherwise, all Michigan child support payments must be sent to the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU).

MiSDU Contact Information:

  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30351, Lansing, MI 48909-7851
  • Phone: (877) 543-2660
  • Website: www.misdu.com

MiSDU is the centralized payment processing center for all Michigan child support. They receive, process, record, and distribute payments to payees throughout the state.

Income Withholding

Most Michigan child support orders include income withholding, which automatically deducts support from the payer's paycheck.

How Income Withholding Works:

  1. Judge signs child support order including income withholding
  2. Income withholding notice sent to payer's employer
  3. Employer deducts support amount from each paycheck
  4. Employer sends withheld amounts to MiSDU
  5. MiSDU records payment and forwards to payee
  6. Both parents receive payment records

Income withholding is the most reliable payment method because it's automatic and consistent. The payer doesn't need to remember to make payments, and the payee receives regular, predictable support.

Other Payment Methods

When income withholding isn't possible (self-employment, unemployment, etc.), other payment methods are available:

Direct Payment Options:

  • Check or Money Order by Mail: Send to MiSDU address with proper identification
  • Online Payment: Credit/debit card through MiSDU website (processing fees apply)
  • Phone Payment: Call MiSDU payment line with credit/debit card
  • In-Person Payment: Some Friend of the Court offices accept payments

CRITICAL: Properly Identify All Payments

Every payment must include:

  • Payer's full name
  • Case docket number
  • At least last four digits of payer's Social Security Number

Unidentifiable payments are delayed, and the payer may face enforcement actions for apparent non-payment. Only properly identified payments are credited to your account.

Receiving Child Support Payments

Parents receiving child support have multiple options for how they receive payments from MiSDU:

Payment Delivery Methods:

  1. Direct Deposit (Recommended):
  • Electronic transfer to your bank account
  • Fastest and most reliable method
  • Set up through MiChildSupport website
  1. Way2Go Debit Card:
  • Automatically issued if no direct deposit arranged
  • Sent to your address on file
  • Works like any debit card
  • No credit check required
  1. Paper Check:
  • Mailed to address on record
  • Slowest delivery method
  • Risk of lost or delayed mail

Keep Your Contact Information Current:

Always maintain current contact information with both the Friend of the Court office and through the MiChildSupport website. Incorrect addresses cause payment delays and you could miss important notices about your child support case.

Using the MiChildSupport Website for Your Case

The MiChildSupport website is an essential resource for anyone involved with a Michigan child support order. This secure website provides 24/7 access to your case information and various self-service options.

Creating Your MiChildSupport Account

To access case information on the MiChildSupport website, you must create an account:

  1. Visit micase.state.mi.us
  3. Provide required information (name, date of birth, case information)
  4. Create username and password
  5. Set up security questions
  6. Verify your identity
  7. Accept terms of use

What You Can Do on MiChildSupport

The MiChildSupport website offers numerous features to help you manage your child support case:

Case Information:

  • View your child support order details
  • Check payment history
  • See current balance and arrears
  • Review upcoming payment schedules
  • Access important case documents

Personal Information Management:

  • View your contact information on file
  • Update your address
  • Change phone numbers
  • Update email address
  • Modify direct deposit information

Payment Management:

  • Set up direct deposit for receiving payments
  • View payment confirmation
  • Download payment records for tax purposes
  • Track enforcement actions

Communication:

  • Send secure messages to Friend of the Court office
  • Receive electronic notifications
  • Get alerts about case updates
  • Submit inquiries online

Verified Access Features

Some MiChildSupport website features require "Verified Access," which means confirming your identity through enhanced security measures. Verified Access allows you to:

  • Update contact information electronically
  • View more detailed case information
  • Access sensitive personal information
  • Make certain requests online

To obtain Verified Access, follow the additional identity verification steps when creating your account or upgrading an existing account.

Modifying Your Michigan Child Support Order

Life circumstances change, and Michigan child support orders can be modified to reflect significant changes in income, parenting time, or other relevant factors.

When to File a Motion to Modify

You should consider filing a motion to modify your child support order when:

  • Either parent experiences a significant income change (job loss, promotion, new job)
  • Parenting time arrangements change substantially
  • Child care costs increase or decrease significantly
  • Health insurance costs change
  • A child's needs change (special needs, medical conditions)
  • Either parent has additional children
  • Other circumstances substantially affect the support calculation

Important Timing Rule:

Child support modifications are generally NOT retroactive. This means the judge cannot change past-due support amounts. File your motion as soon as circumstances change to avoid accumulating arrears at the old support amount.

Using Do-It-Yourself Tools to File a Motion

Michigan Legal Help provides a free Do-It-Yourself Motion to Change or Get Child Support tool that helps you prepare the necessary forms.

Steps to File a Modification Motion:

  1. Calculate new support amount using MiChildSupport Calculator
  2. Use the Do-It-Yourself tool to create your motion forms
  3. Complete a proposed Uniform Child Support Order with new amounts
  4. Print the calculator results page to file with your motion
  5. File all documents with the court office
  6. Pay filing fees (or request fee waiver if you qualify)
  7. Serve the other parent with copies of your motion
  8. Attend the scheduled hearing

Friend of the Court Reviews

The Friend of the Court automatically reviews child support orders in certain situations:

  • Every 36 months when the recipient receives public assistance
  • Upon written request by either parent (not more than once every 36 months without significant change)
  • When ordered by the judge
  • On FOC initiative under certain circumstances

The FOC will only recommend modifying support if the new calculated amount differs from the current amount by at least 10% or $50 per month, whichever is greater.

Enforcing Your Michigan Child Support Order

When the parent ordered to pay child support doesn't make payments as required, various enforcement mechanisms are available through the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System.

Common Enforcement Methods

The Office of Child Support and Friend of the Court offices can use multiple enforcement tools:

Income Withholding:

  • Automatic wage deduction
  • Most common and effective method
  • Sent directly to employer

Tax Refund Interception:

  • State and federal tax refunds intercepted
  • Applied to past-due support
  • Automated through computer systems

License Suspension:

  • Driver's license
  • Occupational or professional licenses
  • Sporting and recreational licenses
  • Reinstated after payment arrangements

Property Liens:

  • Liens on real estate
  • Liens on vehicles and other property
  • Prevents sale until support paid

Contempt of Court:

  • Motion filed for willful non-payment
  • Possible penalties include jail time and fines
  • Court hearing required

Filing for Enforcement

If child support payments aren't being made according to your court order:

  1. Contact your Friend of the Court office immediately
  2. Verify they're aware of the non-payment
  3. Ask what enforcement actions are planned
  4. Provide any helpful information about the payer's employment or assets
  5. Request specific enforcement methods if needed
  6. File your own Motion to Show Cause if necessary

The Friend of the Court typically initiates enforcement automatically when payments are missed, but it's important to stay involved and informed about your case.

The Uniform Child Support Order standardizes support obligations across Michigan, while the Michigan Child Support Formula ensures fair calculations based on both parents' circumstances. The Friend of the Court office in your county serves as your primary resource for questions, assistance, and enforcement support throughout your child support case.

Use the MiChildSupport website to stay informed about your case, manage payments, update contact information, and communicate with the Friend of the Court. Keep your contact information current, file a motion promptly when circumstances change, and don't hesitate to seek enforcement assistance when payments aren't made as ordered.