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Order Establishment

Child support orders need to be established by a judge before they can be enforced. Child support orders can have two support categories: financial and medical support.

Financial Support 

This is the amount of money to be paid by the noncustodial parent for each child, which can include child support, educational support and/or child care support.

State guidelines determine the amount of child support you receive. Your caseworker will use the following information to recommend an amount to the judge:

  • Your income.
  • The other parent's income.
  • Your custody and parenting time arrangements.

Note: A judge has the authority to determine the amount ordered.

Refer to the Michigan Child Support Formula and the MiChildSupport Calculator for complete details.

Parents can agree to change the support amount. A judge's order is required.

Medical Support 

This is the amount of money to be paid by each parent for medical care for their child(ren).

One or both parents may be required to provide health care coverage for their children. This may be provided through an employer or other insurance providers. One or both parents may also be ordered to pay medical expenses that aren't covered by insurance. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.