Even when parents do not live together, whether due to divorce or another reason, their child deserves the best physical, emotional, and financial support possible from both parents. This is when the question of “how much child support is necessary?” comes into play. To determine this, a Michigan court will decide how much money one parent will give the other to provide their child with what they need to flourish.
Let’s define what this looks like. Child support is money that one parent pays to meet their child’s needs when they are not living with the child. These may include medical and dental care, school expenses, or childcare costs. This support usually comes as part of a court order related to divorce, child custody action, paternity action, or family support action.
In Michigan, the Friend of the Court (the agency that enforces all parenting and custody orders) uses a computer program to calculate child support. Some things they consider are:
· Parenting Time: The number of overnight stays each parent has with the child
· Income: How much money each parent makes and if they receive government assistance
· Family Size: How many children either parent has
· Costs: If one parent pays for medical insurance
The Child Support Formula is based on the costs of raising children in Michigan and even includes money for mortgage, rent, or other household expenses, since it’s important for children to have a safe and healthy place to live.
However, there are always nuances in individual matters, and the court can deviate from the amount that the program recommends depending on the circumstances. Factors could include if a child as special needs, one parent has expensive medical bills, or if the child has high education costs.
Do you need help obtaining child support? Contact Striegle Law and feel confident that you are receiving the best guidance while navigating the court system.