{"id":374086,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-child-support-guidelines.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T13:35:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T18:35:59","slug":"michigan-child-support-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-child-support-guidelines.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Child Support Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Child Support Guidelines<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Child support ensures that parents contribute financially to raising their children even when they do not live together. The state of Michigan established clear guidelines to determine the amount of child support that a child should receive. The state’s child support guideline looks after the child\u2019s best interest even after parents separate.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Child Support Payments<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Child support refers to court-ordered payments made to a parent to help with the costs of raising a child. The extent of the support is determined by the guidelines provided by the laws of each state<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In Michigan, child support<\/a> obligations normally last until the child turns 18, but there are exceptions. For example, they can continue until age 19 and a half if the child is still in high school and lives full-time with the parent who gets child support. There is also an exception for children with special needs.<\/p>\r\n

The Child Support Process in Michigan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Either parent can begin the application process for child support by contacting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services<\/a> (MDHHS). This state agency helps enforce, establish, and modify child support orders. A parent can also apply for child support payments online.<\/p>\r\n

The determination of child support payments is often a part of broader family court proceedings, such as the following:<\/p>\r\n