How Long Do Child Support Payments Last in Michigan?
Typically, child support payments continue until a child turns 18. This is the most common scenario in Michigan and elsewhere. However, the length of time you’ll be required to either pay or receive child support is determined by specific guidelines. Each case is unique, and sometimes, there are exceptions to the rule. How Does Child […]
When Can Child Support Payments Be Modified?
As your child gets older, their needs will change, too. Likewise, your financial situation — and your ex’s — will also change over time. For this reason, the amount of child support you pay or receive is subject to modifications. Modifying child support does not happen arbitrarily. Just as the initial child support order is […]
What Happens When You Miss Child Support Payments in Michigan?
People often underestimate how seriously Michigan takes missed child support payments. The Friend of the Court (FOC) doesn’t just casually monitor payments but tracks every dollar through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU). Once you’re a month behind, the consequences begin. Effects of Missing Child Support Payments in Michigan Here are a few things you […]
What Kinds of Elements Should Be Addressed in Visitation Agreements?
When creating visitation agreements, most parents are very diligent in including major decisions, like who gets the kids on weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. However, neglecting small details can lead to the biggest conflicts. Here are ten things to address in your visitation agreement. Routine Schedules and Exceptions You already know you should include regular […]
How a Michigan Court Determines Child Support Adjustments After a Job Loss
When a change of circumstances occurs for a parent who’s obligated to pay monthly child support in Michigan, the court provides a mechanism to adjust the payment amount. In many cases, this change is a loss of employment. If you lost your job, it’s a good idea to understand how the court may adjust the […]
What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Child Support Payments in Michigan
Life happens, and you might fall behind on child support payments. Alternatively, you might be keeping up with current payments but still owe past-due support. It\’s a stressful situation in either case, but it’s one you can\’t ignore. In Michigan, past due child support is referred to as \”arrears.\” You might owe this debt to […]
Child Support in Multi-State Situations: 3 Common Challenges
Child support is an emotionally charged and complex process. It becomes even more stressful when one parent lives in or moves to another state. Many legal issues are still left to the states. Additionally, states have limited authority to issue orders to people in other states. All of these legal principles can impede parents on […]
A Guide to Handling Opposition From Biological Parents During Step-Parent Adoptions
Creating a family when one or both spouses have children from a previous relationship presents some unique challenges. Sometimes the bond between stepparents and their stepchildren is so strong that the family decides stepparent adoption is the best option for everyone. Adoption gives the stepparent all of the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. […]
What if I Can’t Afford My Child Support Payments in Michigan?
Child support payments are payments that allow both parents to contribute fairly to their child’s financial well-being. Typically, the parent who has been granted custody for the majority of the time receives child support from the non-custodial parent. Michigan uses the Income Shares Model to calculate the amount of support a parent should pay. Initial […]
How Does Child Support Work for Parents of Children With Special Needs?
Having a child with special needs can require a lot of extra planning just to get daily activities accomplished. When life brings major changes, like divorce, the additional planning needed to move forward can feel overwhelming. Child support for the average child usually ends at age 18, but for children who may never earn their […]
Alimony vs. Child Support: What’s the Difference?
There are many challenges associated with going through a divorce. First and foremost, there’s an emotional toll when you separate from a romantic partner and realize the life and future you planned together is over. Trying to create stability and stay strong for children can make this process even more difficult. In addition, you may […]
What You Shouldn’t Say to Your Kids During a Divorce
Divorce is difficult for everyone involved. When you separate from your spouse, even if it’s your decision, you may naturally struggle with emotional issues and the financial difficulties of separation. Kids can also suffer immensely from a situation they have no control over. As a parent, you want to do all you can to protect […]