Robert B. Relph Child Support Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Child support is set in Michigan according to a computer formula, which formula will be discussed below. For the formula to produce the proper answer regarding child support, child care, and medical expenses, it is important for the attorney to have accurate information and documents, including but not limited to, tax returns, W-2's, and recent year-to-date pay stubs.  Analyzing a child support situation with a self-employed individual could be much more complicated, and may require an accountant’s input. 

The child support formula in Michigan is mandatory, unless there is an agreement between the parties to deviate from the formula, or unless there is a reason to deviate from the formula for significant reasons found enumerated in the formula.  Gross income is used for both parties, and the computer program then calculates the tax and other legitimate deductions to produce net incomes on which the formula is based.  While the formula itself cannot be manipulated, the input into the formula can be manipulated, and that is the reason for the accurate information referenced above. 

The main inputs into the formula are gross incomes, overnights with the minor children for each party, child care costs and health insurance costs.  The formula will calculate child support, child care, medical insurance contribution and contribution to uncovered medical, with the proper input of information described above.  An attorney must use the current Michigan child support formula and not one that is one or two years old. 

Once child support has been evaluated correctly according to the formula, a Uniform Child Support Order is needed to commence the payment of child support.  The parties may choose to “opt out” of Friend of the Court services and have child support paid directly, but this decision is basically up to the payee of support. 

Any permanent change in income requires an immediate motion to reevaluate child support, as child support cannot be retroactively modified once set, except possibly in a temporary order situation.

All of the above means it is critical that a party have a well qualified divorce attorney in Grand Rapids to assist in the evaluation of child support and related payments.

Article By Child Custody Attorney in Grand Rapids:

Law Offices of Robert Relph
3265 Walker Avenue, NW Suite C
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544
877-622-6959