Michigan Child Support Laws

Quick Summary: Michigan Child Support

• Calculation method: Income Shares Model with overnight adjustments
• Key statute: MCL 552.605
• Age of termination: 18, or 19½ if still in high school
• Modification threshold: Substantial change in circumstances
• Latest update: January 1, 2025 formula changes

If after reading this you have further questions and would like a consultation, you can get a free case consultation from a local lawyer here.

How is child support calculated in Michigan?

Michigan uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This approach considers the combined income of both parents and allocates the support obligation based on each parent’s proportionate share of that income.

The Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF) is maintained by the State Court Administrative Office and is updated periodically to reflect economic changes. The 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual took effect on January 1, 2025.

The basic calculation involves:

• Determining each parent’s net income from all sources
• Combining both parents’ incomes to find the total
• Calculating each parent’s percentage share of the combined income
• Applying the base support obligation from the guidelines tables
• Adjusting for overnights spent with each parent
• Adding costs for healthcare and childcare

Start a child support case here or call 1-866-540-0008.

2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Changes

The Michigan Supreme Court approved significant updates to the child support formula effective January 1, 2025. Here are the key changes:

Income Determination Changes

• Reduced or deferred income: The formula now clarifies when to count income when a business does not distribute profits (Rule 2.01(E)(4)(d)(i))
• Accelerated depreciation: Must be added back to a parent’s income, but with proof, the court may use the lesser of actual expenses or straight-line depreciation (Rule 2.01(E)(4)(e)(iii))
• Imputing income: Courts may now consider additional costs associated with employment for the children when imputing income (Rule 2.01(G)(3))
• Incarceration costs: A new deduction from income is allowed for costs related to a parent’s conviction or incarceration (Rule 2.07(H))

Calculation Changes

• Expense apportionment: The formula now uses each parent’s actual share of income for apportioning expenses, eliminating the previous 10% minimum and 90% maximum caps (Rule 3.01(B))
• Ordinary medical expenses: Restructured to clarify these are an advance monthly reimbursement for the support recipient, based on the family share of income (Rule 3.04(A))
• Child care age: Changed the presumed age for child care eligibility to the last day of the month the child is under age 13 (Rule 3.06(D))

Deviation Clarifications

• Clarified that a deviation is not required simply because a deviation factor exists (Rule 1.04(E))
• The list of deviation factors is explicitly stated to be non-exhaustive
• Removed certain factors that are now directly addressed in the formula

Factors that determine child support in Michigan

Under MCL 552.605, the court considers these factors when calculating support:

• The net incomes of both parents from all sources
• The number of overnights the child spends with each parent
• Healthcare and medical insurance costs
• Childcare expenses related to employment or education
• The number of children requiring support
• Existing support obligations for other children
• Special needs of the child (medical, educational, or developmental)

Deviation from the formula

While courts must follow the Michigan Child Support Formula, they may deviate from the calculated amount when applying the formula would be unjust or inappropriate. Per MCL 552.605(2), the court must set forth in writing the reasons for any deviation.

Common deviation factors include:

• A child with special educational, medical, or developmental needs
• Extraordinary educational expenses beyond typical schooling
• A minor parent with limited income capacity
• An incarcerated parent with minimal or no income or assets
• Overnights with a non-parent recipient
• Any other factor the court deems relevant to the child’s best interests

How to modify child support in Michigan

If you experience a significant change in circumstances, Michigan law allows you to request a modification of your child support order. You can either petition the court yourself or retain an attorney.

Key points about modifications:

• If you receive public assistance, the Friend of the Court automatically reviews your order every 36 months
• Either parent may request a review at any time if there has been a substantial change in circumstances
• A change of more than 10% from the current support amount typically qualifies as substantial

To request a modification, you will need:

• Recent pay stubs or statement of wages from your employer
• State and federal income tax returns with all schedules, 1099s, and W-2s
• FOC39e (Child care verification form) if requesting childcare reimbursement
• Documentation of any changed circumstances

Contact the Friend of the Court at 1-877-543-2660 for assistance.

Enforcement and penalties for non-payment

The Friend of the Court enforces child support orders in Michigan. Enforcement methods include:

1. Income withholding orders: Sent to employers, Social Security, unemployment, or workers’ compensation to collect support directly from income
2. Tax refund intercepts: If back support exceeds $150, state and federal tax refunds may be garnished
3. Credit bureau reporting: Delinquent support is reported to credit bureaus, affecting credit scores and loan eligibility
4. Property liens: A claim may be placed against real or personal property if payments are more than two months behind
5. Passport denial: The U.S. State Department will deny, revoke, or suspend passports when past-due support reaches $2,500
6. License suspension: Driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses may be suspended

Criminal penalties in Michigan

Under MCL 750.165, willful failure to pay court-ordered child support is a felony in Michigan, punishable by:

• Up to 4 years imprisonment
• A fine of up to $2,000
• Or both

Michigan does not have a formal arrearage forgiveness program, but the court may allow parents with significant debt to request a reasonable payment plan.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations for collecting back child support in Michigan is 10 years from the date the last payment was due (typically when the child turns 18 or 19½).

When does child support end in Michigan?

Child support in Michigan typically terminates when the child:

• Turns 18 years old
• Turns 19½ if still attending high school on a full-time basis
• Gets married
• Joins the military
• Becomes emancipated
• Dies

Support may continue indefinitely if the child is mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to support themselves.

Emancipation in Michigan

A minor in Michigan may petition for emancipation if they are at least 16 years old and can demonstrate:

• Michigan residency
• The ability to manage personal, social, and financial affairs
• A legal source of income and financial independence

Download SCAO-approved emancipation forms here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Michigan in 2025?

Michigan uses the Income Shares Model. Both parents’ net incomes are combined, and support is allocated based on each parent’s proportionate share of income, adjusted for overnights and expenses like healthcare and childcare. The 2025 formula removed the previous 10%-90% caps on expense apportionment.

Can I modify my child support order in Michigan?

Yes. You may request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, job loss, or change in custody arrangements. If you receive public assistance, your order is automatically reviewed every 36 months.

What happens if I do not pay child support in Michigan?

Non-payment can result in wage garnishment, tax refund interception, credit damage, property liens, license suspension, and passport denial. Willful non-payment is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and $2,000 in fines.

At what age does child support end in Michigan?

Child support typically ends at age 18, or at 19½ if the child is still attending high school full-time. Support may continue past these ages if the child has a physical or mental disability.

Does Michigan forgive back child support?

Michigan does not have a formal arrearage forgiveness program. However, courts may approve payment plans for parents with significant debt. Interest may also apply to unpaid balances.

If you have additional questions, we recommend getting a free case consultation from a local attorney.

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