Child Support is the common term for payments from one parent to the other after divorce to contribute to the expenses of raising a child including food, clothing and shelter, extracurricular activities and school trips. The Friend of the Court agents manage these payments that have been determined by the courts based on the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual.
Similar to spousal support considerations, the courts take into account both parties’ incomes. Under Michigan law, child support is determined by a formula that considers the earnings of both parents. We will fight vigorously to ensure the judge uses a fair review of your earnings to determine the appropriate amount of child support. The judge will also consider the number of children and the age and health of the children. Other factors include child care needs and special medical expenses. Judges will look at the ratio of overnight stays in each home and the other support that each party is either paying or receiving.
These factors are all detailed in the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual. This document also outlines the procedure for determining support with special factors like unmarried parents, third-party custody, Social Security beneficiaries and children with their own income. The MCSFM also explains how remarriage, unemployment or an out-of-state move can impact your support agreement.
Understanding Michigan Child Support
Although the best means of getting an accurate estimate of what you may receive or pay in child support is to consult with one of our attorneys, there are free child support calculators on the internet. Some child-support calculators may give you a very rough prediction of your child support levels but are in no way legally binding.
“Child support is often an emotional and contentious issue. We will fight aggressively to protect your interests and ensure that the calculations of income and assets are accurate and fair. Knowing the local court that will be handling your divorce makes a decisive difference.” — Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler
It is no secret that financial matters concerning child support are often among the most emotionally frustrating issues in a divorce case. All parties in a divorce have a stake in the financial outcome. The attorney you hire will play an important role in determining what calculations the judge will apply to determine earnings and assets that will affect the final support award. It is equally important that your lawyer knows the particulars of the court that will hear your case. This is where our experience makes a decisive difference.
White Lake Custody Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler Helps Clients with Post-Judgment Modifications
Another important time to consult the child support attorneys at Kathryn Wayne-Spindler is when changes in either party’s life circumstances require an alteration of the child support agreement. Whether it’s job changes or a change in income because of remarriage, we can ensure that your child support payments reflect the changing needs of all the family members.
It is important to remember that whether we are aggressively fighting to help you receive the maximum amount possible or helping you avoid unfair and over-inflated payments, child support is for the children and, in all case, the children’s best interests should remain a priority. We help you keep this priority in mind even when things feel uncertain.
Contact the law office of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates at 248-676-1000 to discuss your child support concerns.
Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have many satisfied clients throughout the five counties of Southeastern Michigan – Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee and Livingston. The Michigan Family Law Attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have one simple objective: to handle our clients’ legal worries so they can concentrate on life and family. Contact Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates today to learn more about our experience and success at 248-676-1000. We are conveniently located in Milford, Michigan. We help clients throughout Milford; Highland; Hartland; White Lake; Commerce; Waterford; West Bloomfield; Walled Lake; South Lyon; New Hudson; Wixom; Linden; Holly; Fenton; Grand Blanc; Flint and many more local communities.
Aggressive Attorneys – Compassionate Counsel
