Michigan Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Michigan?

Michigan calculates child support by combining both of your incomes to determine a total support amount from a state schedule. Governed by MCL 552.605, this total obligation is then divided between you and the other parent based on your individual percentage shares of the combined income.

Understanding MI's Parenting Time Adjustments

In Michigan, shared physical custody significantly impacts child support through a 'Parenting Time Offset' when a parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year. As detailed in the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), this is not a simple credit but a formula that proportionally reduces the base support obligation based on the annual number of overnights, acknowledging the costs incurred during parenting time.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Michigan Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority MCL 552.605; Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF)
Shared Custody Threshold 128 Overnights Annually
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19.5 if in High School)
Modification Standard Substantial Change in Circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Child Support


At what age does child support end in MI?

Child support in Michigan generally ends when a child turns 18, but it can be extended until age 19 and a half if the child is still attending high school full-time with a reasonable expectation of graduating. This exception for high school completion is outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) § 552.605b.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a Michigan court can impute potential income to them for child support calculation purposes. The Michigan Child Support Formula allows the court to assign an income level based on the parent's work history, qualifications, and local earning opportunities, ensuring children are supported based on a parent's ability to earn, not just their current wages.

How do I modify a child support order in MI?

To modify a child support order in Michigan, a parent must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances since the last order was entered. Under MCL § 552.603, this could include a major change in either parent's income, a change in custody, or different needs of the child. Additionally, the Friend of the Court office automatically reviews orders every 36 months to see if a modification is warranted.

Does MI child support cover college expenses?

No, Michigan courts cannot order a parent to pay for college or other post-secondary education expenses after a child has reached the age of majority. While parents can voluntarily agree to share these costs and make that agreement part of their divorce settlement, it is not a legal requirement that can be imposed by a judge.

How does MI handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are added to the base child support obligation and are prorated between the parents based on their percentage share of their combined income. The Michigan Child Support Formula treats these necessary expenses as add-ons to the basic support amount to ensure they are shared equitably.