Grand Rapids Child Support Attorney

Assisting Clients With Child Support Matters in Michigan

Whether you are a mother or a father seeking support, the attorneys at McShane & Bowie understand the challenges you face and are prepared to represent your interests. We have years of experience helping families through divorce and other family-related matters. We have helped many families resolve their issues and can help you do the same.

Contact us online or call (616) 747-7922 to get started with a child support attorney in Grand Rapids, MI.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation requiring a non-custodial parent to contribute financially to their child's upbringing. This support ensures that the child's basic needs—such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care—are adequately met.

Our Grand Rapids child support attorneys are well-versed in these guidelines and can help you understand how they apply to your situation. Whether you seek to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, we provide comprehensive legal support to protect your and your child's rights.

Understanding Michigan's Child Support Calculation

Child support in Michigan is calculated using a formula established by state law. The formula takes into account several key factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, custody arrangement, as well as the child’s health care and childcare costs.

It's important to note that Michigan follows an "income shares" model, which involves assessing the total combined income of both parents and establishing each parent's proportionate contribution based on their income percentage.

While there is a formula for child support in Michigan, it only serves as a guideline -- the retains the discretion to adjust the support amount if it determines such a modification is in the child's best interests.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Michigan?

In Michigan, child support typically continues until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending high school full-time and resides full-time with the recipient of child support, the obligation may extend until the child graduates or turns 19 and a half, whichever comes first. It is important to note that specific circumstances can affect the duration of child support payments, and our knowledgeable attorneys can offer personalized advice based on your unique situation.

There are scenarios where child support obligations can extend beyond the standard age limits. For instance, if a child has special needs or disabilities that require ongoing support, a court may order continued financial assistance from both parents. Additionally, parents can voluntarily agree to support their child beyond the statutory age through a mutual agreement incorporated into the child support order.