Child Support Guidance Focused on Fairness and Stability
Child support directly affects your child’s quality of life—and your financial stability. Whether you’re establishing support, seeking a modification, or dealing with missed payments, Samouris Law Firm helps Michigan parents navigate child support matters with clarity, accuracy, and a focus on what’s fair under the law.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Michigan
Michigan uses a statewide Income Shares Model to calculate child support. The goal is to approximate what parents would spend on their children if they lived together.
Calculations typically consider:
- Each parent’s income
- Number of children
- Parenting time (overnights)
- Health insurance costs
- Childcare and extraordinary expenses
Because small details can significantly change the final number, accurate income reporting and parenting-time credits are essential.
Establishing a Child Support Order
Child support is commonly established during divorce, custody, or paternity cases. Representation ensures the court receives complete and accurate financial information so the initial order reflects the reality of both parents’ circumstances.
Support orders often work hand-in-hand with custody and parenting time arrangements.
Modifying Child Support When Circumstances Change
Support orders aren’t always permanent. Michigan law allows modifications when there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as:
01
Job loss or reduced income
02
Substantial increase in either parent’s income
03
Changes in parenting time
04
New financial responsibilities
A formal court motion is usually required. Acting quickly can help prevent arrears from building and protect your financial position.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, legal remedies are available. Enforcement options may include income withholding, contempt proceedings, or other court action to secure consistent payments.
If you’re accused of nonpayment unfairly—or arrears accrued due to circumstances beyond your control—legal assistance can help address the issue properly and protect your rights.
A Fair, Balanced Approach for Both Parents
Child support should meet children’s needs without placing an unreasonable burden on either parent. Representation focuses on:
- Ensuring guideline calculations are accurate
- Correcting income or parenting-time errors
- Advocating for fair deviations when justified
- Coordinating support with custody and spousal support issues
The objective is balance—supporting children while maintaining long-term stability for both households.
Integrated Family Law Representation
Child support rarely exists in isolation. It often overlaps with custody, parenting time, and other family law matters. Coordinated representation ensures these issues are addressed together for consistent, practical outcomes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Child Support Questions
How is child support calculated in Michigan?
Using statewide guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and parenting time.
Can child support be changed if I lose my job?
Possibly. A significant change may justify a modification, but court approval is required.
Do I need a lawyer for a child support hearing?
Legal guidance helps ensure accurate information is presented and errors are avoided.
What if the other parent isn’t paying?
Enforcement tools are available through the court.
Let’s Get Started
Get Clear Answers and a Fair Path Forward
If you’re unsure whether your current child support order is fair—or need help establishing, modifying, or enforcing support—Samouris Law Firm can help you understand your options and take the right next step.
Call Now: (517) 347-7047
