What Is Child Support Used for in Michigan Custody Cases?

Anna Tsaturova, Michigan managing attorney | Marble Law

Michigan managing attorney at Marble Law

Published March 10, 2025 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Child support in Michigan is calculated based on both parents' income and custody arrangements.
Payments cover essential expenses like housing, food, education, medical care, and clothing.
Michigan follows specific legal guidelines to determine fair financial obligations.
Child support calculations consider custody time-share and additional child-specific expenses.
A family lawyer can help navigate the process and ensure fair support payments.

Basic Requirements for Child Support in Michigan

Michigan law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, regardless of custody arrangements. Child support payments are determined based on a standardized formula that considers both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the time each parent spends with them.

The court also considers additional expenses such as health insurance, daycare, and educational needs. Once a support order is in place, parents must comply with payments until the child reaches 18 (or 19 ½ if still in high school). Failure to pay can result in wage garnishments, tax refund interceptions, or even legal penalties.

How Is Child Support Determined in Michigan?

Michigan uses a set formula to calculate child support, ensuring a fair division of financial responsibility. Here’s how it works:

Calculate Combined Parental Income – The court reviews both parents’ income, including wages, bonuses, and investment earnings.
Determine Custody Time-Share – The amount of time each parent spends with the child affects how much support is required. A parent with less parenting time typically pays more.
Apply State Guidelines – Michigan’s child support formula is applied to determine base payments.
Consider Child-Specific Expenses – Extra costs, such as health insurance, daycare, and special medical needs, may be added to the support amount.
Assess Additional Financial Factors – The court may adjust payments based on factors like extraordinary medical costs or changes in income.
Account for Future Modifications – If circumstances change, such as a job loss or an increase in medical expenses, parents can request a modification to the support order.

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What Does Child Support Cover in Michigan?

Child support is intended to cover all necessary expenses to ensure a child’s well-being, including:

Basic Living Expenses – Food, utilities, and transportation.
Educational Costs – School supplies, textbooks, and fees for extracurricular activities.
Medical Care – Health insurance, doctor visits, dental care, and prescriptions.
Housing – Rent or mortgage costs to maintain a stable home environment.
Clothing – Shoes, seasonal wear, and everyday clothing needs.
Extracurricular Activities – Sports, music lessons, and other enrichment programs.

The goal is to provide financial stability for the child and ensure their standard of living is not negatively affected by their parent’s separation.

How Can a Family Lawyer Help You Get Child Support in Michigan?

Securing child support can be challenging, especially if the other parent disputes payments or fails to contribute. A family lawyer can help by ensuring accurate calculations, gathering financial records, and advocating for fair support that meets your child’s needs. Whether you’re establishing child support, requesting a modification, or dealing with unpaid payments, Marble’s legal team can guide you through the process and protect your child’s financial future.