Michigan Child Support Calculator

How Michigan Calculates Child Support

Michigan looks at both your and the other parent's monthly net income to determine how much you would spend on your children if you lived together. This total support amount is then divided between you and the other parent based on your respective shares of the combined income.

Understanding Michigan's Shared Custody Rules

In Michigan, the amount of time each parent spends with the children, measured in overnight stays, significantly affects the final support amount. When a parent has the children for at least 128 nights per year, a parenting time adjustment is applied to reduce their base support obligation, recognizing the direct costs they cover during their time.

MI Child Support: Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does child support end in MI?

In Michigan, the obligation to pay child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, support can be extended until the child reaches 19 years and 6 months of age if they are still attending high school full-time and have a reasonable expectation of graduating.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in MI?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can 'impute income' based on their potential earning capacity. The calculation will use what the parent could be earning, considering factors like work history, education, and local job opportunities, rather than their actual zero or low income.

How do I modify a child support order in MI?

To modify a child support order, you must show a significant change in circumstances, such as a major change in income or custody. A change may be presumed if the difference between the existing order and a new calculation is at least 10% or $50 per month, whichever is greater.

Does MI child support cover college expenses?

No, a judge cannot order a parent to pay for college expenses in Michigan, as the legal support obligation ends at age 18 (or 19.5 for high school completion). Parents can, however, voluntarily agree to cover college costs in a signed settlement agreement, which then becomes enforceable.

How does MI handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare costs are considered separate from the base child support obligation. These expenses are typically added to the total support amount and divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes.