Skilled Child Support Attorneys in Plymouth, Michigan
At Steslicki & Ghannam PLC, our Plymouth family law attorneys know how important child support is to the kids’ well-being when Michigan parents divorce or go their separate ways.
Child support provides essential financial resources to cover the costs of raising a child, including food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities. It helps ensure that children have their basic needs met and can live in a safe and stable environment, even when their parents live in separate households.
Child support reflects the shared responsibility of both parents to financially support their child, regardless of the parent’s relationship status. It ensures that both parents contribute proportionally to the child’s upbringing and that the financial burden is not unfairly placed on one parent.
Our Plymouth child support attorneys know this is essential because it helps ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive, regardless of their parent’s circumstances. We want to help ensure they are getting the support they need.
If you are pursuing a divorce or have never been married and are ending your relationship with your kids’ other parent, contact our dedicated child support attorneys in Plymouth today to learn how we can help you pursue the best outcome for your unique family law case.
Can Parents Determine a Child Support Amount Without Going to Court in Michigan?
Yes, parents in Michigan can determine a child support amount without going to court through a mutual agreement made in private or through attorney negotiations.
Negotiating the terms of child support is accomplished by considering the child’s needs and expenses, including the amount to be paid, the frequency of payments, and any additional financial responsibilities, like healthcare or education expenses.
The Michigan Child Support Formula can be used as a reference point for calculating child support amounts based on the parents’ incomes and the number of children involved. This formula can help ensure that child support amounts are fair and consistent.
Once parents have reached an agreement on child support, they can formalize the terms of the agreement in writing, typically through a stipulated agreement or child support order. While parents can reach a child support agreement without court involvement, the court must still approve it to ensure that it meets the child’s best interests and complies with state law.
Once the court approves the child support agreement, it becomes legally binding, and both parents must comply with its terms. If one parent fails to pay child support as agreed, the other parent may seek enforcement through the court, including wage garnishment or contempt proceedings.
If parents cannot agree on child support, the details will be left to a Michigan family court judge to decide. Whether you believe you and your children’s other parent can determine a proper child support amount or if a judge will determine the details, it is crucial to have a skilled Plymouth child support attorney advocating for your best interests. Contact us today to learn how we can put our over 30 years of combined experience to work for you.
How Do the Michigan Family Courts Determine Child Support?
The Michigan Child Support Formula calculates the amount the non-custodial parent will pay to the custodial parent.
The child support amount is based on:
- The income of both parents.
- The number of children.
- The child custody arrangement.
In addition to essential child support, parents may be required to contribute to additional expenses related to the child’s care, such as healthcare, educational, extracurricular, and childcare expenses.
It is important to note that the Michigan Child Support Formula is merely a guideline; the Court can deviate from the guideline amount if it finds that doing so would be in the child’s best interests. Factors that may warrant deviation include the child’s unique needs, the parents’ extraordinary income or assets, or other relevant considerations.
If one parent has significantly more parenting time than the other, a parenting time adjustment may be made to reflect the additional costs incurred by the parent with more time. This adjustment considers the number of overnights each parent has with the child and may result in a deviation from the primary support obligation.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Michigan?
In Michigan, child support typically lasts until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.
If a child has a disability or special needs that prevent them from becoming financially independent, child support may continue beyond the age of majority and extend indefinitely or until the child can support themselves.
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Contact Our Trusted Plymouth Child Support Attorney Today
If you are unsure how much child support you are entitled to or are the payor and are worried about how the child support amount will impact your finances, contact our trusted child support attorneys in Plymouth today to learn more about how our Michigan laws apply to your case.
Related Links:
- Enforcing Child Support in Michigan
- When Can a Child Decide Which Parent They Want to Live With?
- When is a Guardian Necessary for a Minor Child?
- Navigating Your Child’s Future: Essential Tips for Effective Special Needs Planning
- Do I need to get the other parent’s permission to move our child out of state?