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 can expect if you’ve fallen behind on your child support payments.
Immediate Financial Consequences
The first consequence usually directly affects your paycheck. Support payments will be taken directly through income withholding. However, note that in addition to your regular paycheck, your unemployment benefits, Social Security payments, workers’ comp, and even insurance claim payments can be accessed.
Property and Asset Seizures
Michigan gets creative with collections. The state can put liens on your property, freeze your bank accounts, and seize assets. It can go after your house, your car, and any other property you own. Even your insurance settlements aren’t safe.
License Suspensions
When you miss two months of payments, you’re looking at multiple license suspensions. This will start with your driver’s license, but the state can also go after your professional license. So doctors, plumbers, or real estate agents might suddenly find themselves unable to work legally. Additionally, your hunting and fishing licenses can be suspended.
Medical Support Enforcement
Child support isn’t just about monthly payments. If your kids are supposed to be on your health insurance, the state will send your employer a National Medical Support Notice, forcing coverage enrollment. If you’re supposed to make separate medical support payments, the state will chase those just as aggressively as regular support.
Show Cause Hearings
When you fall behind, the court will schedule a hearing where you must explain yourself. Skipping this hearing means you’re looking at a bench warrant. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that ignoring these hearings can also lead to jail time.
Pension and Retirement Impacts
Your retirement savings aren’t protected either. The court can issue special orders (QDROs for private pensions and EDROs for government pensions) to take both current and back support directly from your retirement accounts.
Multiplication of Money Owed
Missing child support payments in Michigan is especially dangerous because the money owed quickly compounds. Michigan adds a surcharge to unpaid support every January and July. The rate is tied to five-year Treasury notes plus 1%. Modest amounts of back support can balloon into impossible debts within a few years.
Criminal Charges
If you fall far enough behind in your payments, you could potentially be looking at felony charges. The Friend of the Court can refer your case to the county prosecutor or even the attorney general. This usually happens after other collection methods fail, but it’s a real threat, especially if you owe significant amounts.
How to Prevent Critical Situations
The smart move is to act before missing payments. Michigan courts will modify support orders if your circumstances change — for instance, in the case of a lost job or medical issues. But you have to ask before falling behind. Once you’re in the hole, it’s much harder to dig out.
Get Help From a Michigan Family Law Attorney
At Gucciardo Family Law, we help parents protect their assets, licenses, and freedom before child support issues spiral out of control. Whether you need help with support modifications, medical support requirements, or protecting your retirement accounts, our experienced team can help. Contact us, and let’s find solutions that work for both you and your children.
