Child Support Lawyers & Attorneys in Flint, MI

Child Support Guidelines

When your financial situation shifts, and the numbers no longer reflect reality, it's time to take a closer look. ADAM in Flint, MI, helps men stand up for what's fair. You shouldn't be overpaying, overlooked, or left without options just because the formula says one thing and your life says another. We're here to make sure the full picture gets seen and that your side is represented.

Michigan uses a specific formula to calculate child support, but no equation can predict life's changes. Job loss, new obligations, or shifts in custody can all impact what's reasonable to pay. If your current arrangement no longer fits, get in touch with us today to pursue a modification and move forward with a solution that actually works.

How Michigan Calculates Child Support

In Michigan, child support isn't left to guesswork. Courts rely on the Michigan Child Support Formula, a structured equation that takes key financial and custodial factors into account to determine how much each parent should contribute. It covers not just basic support, but also medical expenses and child care costs.

To calculate support, the court requires specific information, including:

Each parent's income
Number of children involved
Custody arrangement
Any spousal support being paid
Support obligations for other children
Health care expenses
Child care expenses

Once the necessary details are submitted and reviewed, the court applies the formula and issues an official support order based on the outcome.

When Life Changes, Your Support Order Should Too

Divorce agreements are made based on the facts available at the time, but life doesn't stand still. If your income has taken a hit or your financial obligations have shifted, continuing to pay the same amount of child support can quickly become unsustainable.

Before making any changes on your own, talk to the other parent if possible, but never stop making payments without a court-approved modification. Doing so can lead to serious legal consequences.

How the Court Decides If a Modification Is Justified

To request a change in your child support order, you'll need to show that your circumstances have changed in a meaningful way. The court looks at several factors to determine whether a modification is warranted, including:

A significant drop in income due to job loss or changes in employment
New financial obligations, such as support for other children
A substantial increase in the custodial parent's income
Medical issues or other long-term financial setbacks

The court also considers whether your change in circumstances is:

Material and substantial
Involuntary, or voluntary, but made in good faith
Ongoing, not temporary
New, or not anticipated when the original support order was issued

If you believe your current child support order no longer reflects what's fair, call ADAM at (810) 344-6109. We'll review your case, walk you through your options, and help you take the next legal step with the support you deserve.

Child Support in Michigan FAQs

Can I challenge the accuracy of the income listed in the child support calculation?

Yes, you have every right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete financial information used in calculating child support. If the other parent is underreporting income, hiding assets, or receiving money through non-traditional means like cash jobs or side businesses, that can affect the fairness of the support order. At ADAM, we know how to dig deeper, gather documentation, and present the full financial picture to the court so you're not held responsible for a skewed calculation.

How often can I request a child support review or modification in Michigan?

Michigan allows you to request a child support review every 36 months, but you don't have to wait that long if your circumstances change significantly. A major income shift, medical hardship, or changes in custody can qualify you for an earlier review. We can help you determine if you meet the criteria for modification and make sure your request is backed by solid legal reasoning and proper documentation.

What happens if the custodial parent isn't using the support money appropriately?

While it can be frustrating, courts generally won't monitor or dictate how child support is spent, as long as the child's basic needs are being met. However, if you have credible concerns that the child is being neglected or the funds are being used in a way that puts the child at risk, you may have legal grounds to seek a change in custody or revisit the support arrangement. We can guide you through what's worth pursuing legally and what may need to be handled through other means.

Can my parenting time affect how much child support I owe?

Yes, parenting time plays a significant role in Michigan's child support formula. Generally, the more overnights you have with your child, the less you may be required to pay in support. If your custody arrangement has shifted over time and you're now spending more time with your child, your support order might be outdated. We'll help you gather the necessary evidence and present your case for a fair adjustment.

If I'm behind on payments, can I still ask for a modification?

Absolutely. Being behind doesn't disqualify you from seeking a modification, especially if your financial situation has changed for reasons outside your control. The key is taking action before the problem gets worse. We'll work with you to address the arrears, show the court why your order should be updated, and help you avoid further penalties like wage garnishment or license suspension.