The well-being of children is contingent upon many factors. Among them, ongoing healthy relationships with family members and financial resources are the most important.
Once child custody has been determined, the court enters an order simultaneously with child custody for child support. Child support is the financial obligation on the part of the noncustodial parent to help with the costs associated with raising the child or children (food, clothing, shelter, entertainment, uncovered medical expenses, extracurricular activities, etc.).
Fortunately, determining child support can be one of the more straightforward aspects of divorce. This number is calculated in accordance with the Michigan child support guidelines and is determined according to clear, fact-based guidelines that primarily take into account the following:
If you are involved with any child support issue, attorney Stacey L. Selleck at Selleck Legal, PLLC, and our team are ready to bring the knowledge and experience that has helped clients reach significant success in order to do everything possible to help you reach an ideal outcome. Because she knows that families change over time, she can work on modification issues, as well as enforcement issues, when applicable.
In addition, she is prepared to use enforcement actions in an effort to recover any unpaid support to which you are entitled.
Most parents agree that they want their children to have the financial support and other resources they need to thrive regardless of whether their parents are together or not. The details are where disagreements and legal entanglements arise. Who will pay? How much is enough?
At Selleck Legal, PLLC, we help parents find the child support answers they seek. Our founding lawyer is well-regarded for her ability to achieve family law outcomes that are in the best interest of children while respecting each parent’s role.
Below are answers to the most common questions regarding child support in Michigan.
No.
Child support in Michigan is geared towards ensuring that children have the financial resources they need to meet their needs. The numbers that go into the formula will determine the outcome, regardless of whether the child’s mother or father is the higher earner.
Conceptually, the formula for determining child support is straightforward and is based on factors such as the income and earning potential of each parent, as well as the specific needs of the child.
Unfortunately, the state of Michigan’s manual for child support determination changes periodically and requires an in-depth analysis of many factors that lead to determining income and earning potential for parents. You can view the latest manual here.
Due to the complexity of the state of Michigan’s child support determination manual, the formula for child support is only as accurate as the figures being used, and these figures may require a confident mathematical background to assess and accurately report.
Making a mistake can mean potentially running into situations where a parent might be overpaying or not paying enough, can hold up the court’s process in determining child support accurately, and can cause unexpected legal headaches.
A qualified child support attorney can help you ensure that all relevant income and assets are used to calculate a child support arrangement that genuinely reflects the reality of your situation and the needs of your child.
Yes. Child support arrangements can be modified when there is a material change in a parent’s circumstances or the child’s needs. An attorney can help you pursue a modification of your child support order or oppose an amendment you disagree with.
It’s important to remember that no two cases are the same. For an in-depth look at your case, contact Plymouth MI child support attorney Stacey L. Selleck for a free initial consultation at 734-729-4459 or through our contact form.
Your email or overnight messages are responded to promptly. We serve clients from Northville, Livonia, Westland and surrounding areas from our Plymouth MI office.
