Child Support in Michigan Divorce, What You Need To Know – ChooseGoldman

If you are in the process of going through a divorce, one issue that may be on your mind is how much child support you will be obligated to pay each month once the divorce is finalized, or, even before the divorce has been finalized, should an interim support order exist. Or, maybe support has already been ordered, but it has created an impossible mountain of debt that you’ll never be able to recover from. Either way, a lawyer may have to get involved to help you resolve some of these issues.

Michigan Child Support Formula

The child support formula takes many factors into account, such as whether either party works, income, and the number of overnight stays throughout the year that each parent has with the minor children. Judges are required to order child support in an amount supported by the child support formula, but deviations may be made should a party present an argument which shows that the support numbers, if ordered, would be unjust or inappropriate. Many factors exist in making such an evaluation, such as whether the child has special needs or makes extraordinary income, whether a parent is incarcerated, or whether a party has extraordinary medical expenses. Needless to say, the court will consider just about any relevant circumstance that may exist in coming to this decision. That is why it is important to talk to an attorney who can objectively evaluate your particular situation should a deviation be necessary.

Sometimes You Just Can’t Afford to Pay

I understand that most parents want to pay child support for the benefit of their minor children. But there may be some situations where paying what has been ordered becomes unreasonable and great financial hardship arises. Did you know that failing to pay child support in Michigan is a crime for which one could be incarcerated? A judge’s contempt power is a useful tool in coercing individuals into paying support. They could suspend professional licenses or driver’s licenses, assess additional fines and costs, or force you to attend in a work activity or a community corrections program. Don’t let yourself get caught in this situation.

Hire a Michigan Attorney Today

Lawyers know the law and how to apply it to the particular facts of your case. Contact our office for a free initial consultation at 586-268-2400. Find out whether the numbers being used to calculate your obligations are correct, and if so, whether deviation is appropriate in your case.

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