Legal Counsel and Guidance on Child Support in Michigan
Children have an inherent right to the support of their parents. Child support is the right of a child and not the parent to whom support may be paid. Whether you are the recipient or payor of support, you may need legal assistance.
Court's are required to award child support by using the Michigan Child Support Guidelines unless it finds that a deviation is appropriate. The parties may agree to deviate from the formula, but the Court must still make a finding that application of the guidelines will be unjust and inappropriate. Child Support remains modifiable until the minor child turns 18 or 19 1/2 if attending school full-time and still living with the custodial parent
The amount of child support is determined by application of the Michigan Child Support Guidelines. Family law courts in Michigan are expected to follow these guidelines unless there is a compelling reason to deviate from them. Call or e-mail us to speak with a Detroit area child support lawyer from our offices in Farmington Hills.
You may want to keep other information in mind if you are separated, divorcing or divorced to prepare for family law court:
- The child support formula has provisions to factor in daycare expenses.
- While a divorce is in progress and parents are separated, an interim child support order may be necessary.
- An interim child support order may set a precedent that can affect the support order that will be issued as part of a divorce decree.
- Specific details such as which parent will remain in the marital home may have an impact on child support orders. Decisions as to who will live where are usually economic, practical decisions affected by work, tax liability and location of extended family members.
- Support orders may need to be modified, based upon the needs of the children and the circumstances of the parents.
- There are ramifications for non-payment of support. You may have your professional, hunting, or driver's license suspended or revoked, liens placed against your property, tax refunds intercepted or other unpleasant consequences (such as serving a jail sentence).
With so many things to take into consideration, most parents find it advisable or necessary to have legal representation to protect themselves as well as their children. Contact an experienced family law attorney at the law offices of Schwartz Law Firm to schedule a consultation regarding child custody and child support.
Oakland County Child Support Lawyers Here to Serve You
Our family law firm has built a reputation over the years for effective, respectful legal representation. Our Oakland County child support lawyers can help you determine what the appropriate levels of child support are in your case and review any special circumstances that need to be communicated to the court.
Discuss any aspects of your Michigan child support issues with one of our experienced attorneys. Contact us by phone or e-mail to schedule a consultation.
