Child Support is an important topic and there are many elements to this topic and it is necessary to know what is a part of child support. It is also important to think about how you would like to prioritize the various factors of a child support/custody arrangement. Keep in mind that you can reduce your child support obligation by simply taking more parenting time. However, it might very well be the case that by taking more time to work, you would end up making more money than you would pay in additional child support. At that point, it comes down to how you would weigh the monetary benefit against having more time with your children. Make sure that you discuss this thoroughly with your attorney in preparation for any hearings and mediation regarding child support and custody.
Questions and Answer
What if my former spouse moves far away? Can travel costs be included in my child support?
Yes, such an item can be included in a child support order, but is not included automatically. The court’s decision will likely depend on the reasons for the move and how far the distance is.
How is child support collected and paid out?
In the old days, you would have to mail a check to the FOC, who would then mail their own check to the recipient parent. Electronic banking has changed all that. Now Michigan uses the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU). Under this system, the amount of the paying parent’s child support is automatically withheld from their paychecks and will be deposited in the other parent’s bank account within 24 hours. If the recipient parent does not have a bank account, then MiSDU will provide them with a debit card. If the paying parent does not receive their income in the form of paychecks, then they will have to mail checks to MiSDU.
My former spouse hasn’t gotten a job in order to avoid paying child support, what can I do?
If the court determines that the paying spouse is voluntarily remaining unemployed or underemployed, they will most likely use his earning potential rather than his actual income to determine his monthly support obligation. The technical term for this is “imputing” income. This is actually a very poor strategy on the part of the delinquent former spouse, because they will never lose all of their paychecks to child support payments, and will always make some money from working.
When can I stop paying child support?
The child support obligation typically ends when the child dies, gets married, turns 18, or is otherwise emancipated. This also occurs if your rights as a parent are terminated (parental rights and child support go hand in hand). The obligation also ends when you (the supporting parent) dies.
The government will not extract child support from your estate. However, if a child is severely disabled, the child support obligation might continue for the rest of that child’s life. Also, if your child fails to graduate high school at age 18, this will continue until that child reaches the age of 19 and a half, but only if that child remains a full-time high school student.
Conclusion
Child Support can be difficult and confusing, but with the right attorney you will get the outcome you desire. If you need more information on Divorce and Child Support in The State of Michigan contact Goldman and Associates Law Firm. At Goldman and Associates, our attorneys are experts in family law and they will thoroughly examine all aspects of your divorce. With the best lawyers in Michigan, Goldman and Associates takes each and every case very seriously and gives you the outcome you desire.
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