Understanding Child Support in Grand Rapids: A Practical Guide
Understanding Child Support in Grand Rapids: A Practical Guide
Child support issues can be overwhelming, especially during an emotionally charged divorce. At Sarnacki Law Firm, we aim to make this process as clear, simple, and stress-free as possible for families in the Grand Rapids area.
Here’s a practical guide to understanding child support and ensuring your child’s needs are met.
What Is Child Support?
Child support, sometimes called “child maintenance,” is a periodic, court-ordered payment from one parent to another to help cover the basic costs of raising a child. This support ensures that both parents contribute financially to their child’s well-being, regardless of their marital status. Beyond the basics, the child support may include additional expenses for the benefit of the child, though some items require the consent of both parents.
Components of a Child Support Order
A comprehensive child support order may include:
- Financial Support: For food, clothing, and shelter
- Health Insurance: Coverage for medical needs
- Child Care Costs: Daycare or after-school care
- Extraordinary Medical Expenses: Costs not covered by insurance
- Visitation Travel Costs: Travel expenses related to parenting time
- Education Expenses: Basic schooling costs
- Extracurricular Activities: Fees for sports, music lessons, etc.
Determining Who Pays Child Support
The Michigan Child Support Formula focuses on the incomes of each parent, who is covering the health insurance and what the out-of-pocket costs are, who is covering work-related childcare and what the out-of-pocket costs are, and how the parenting plan allocates time with the children. The Formula allows for exceptions that affect the expense burden of the parents.
Typically, but not always, the parent who does not have physical custody pays child support to the custodial parent. In cases of split custody, if both parents have nearly equal earnings and parenting time, neither may be ordered to pay child support. Otherwise, the higher-earning parent will usually be responsible for a portion of the support.
Calculating Child Support
The Michigan Child Support Formula, often referred to as “the guidelines,” provides a rulebook for ensuring uniformity throughout the State. The Formula calculates the amount of child support based on various factors, including both parents’ incomes, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and specific needs of the child.
Duration of Child Support Payments
In Michigan, child support typically continues until the child reaches 18 years old. If the child is still in high school and lives full time with the parent receiving support, payments may extend until the child is 19 ½ years old. Parents also can agree on expenses beyond age 18.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Nothing is ever permanent and nonmodifiable when it comes to children. Life changes all the time, and significant changes in circumstances might require a review and recalculation of your support obligation. This usually flows from changes in jobs, income, ability to pay, or the needs of your child.
Common reasons to modify a child support order include:
- A significant change in either parent’s income
- Job loss
- Changes in health care coverage
- Increased needs of the child
- Altered custody arrangements
To modify a child support order, you must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances. Sarnacki Law Firm can help you navigate this process and file the necessary motions with the court.
Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support
Non-payment of child support can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Repossession of property
- Garnishment of tax refunds and unemployment benefits
- Suspension of various licenses (driving, occupational, recreational)
- Issuance of a bench warrant
- Revocation of passport
- Possible jail time
If you are unable to make your child support payments, or if the other parent is not complying with their payment obligations, it is crucial to seek legal assistance promptly. Ignoring the existing order will not make it go away.
How Sarnacki Law Firm Can Help
At Sarnacki Law Firm, we understand the importance of ensuring your child’s financial needs are met. Whether you are establishing a new child support order, seeking modification of an existing one, or dealing with enforcement issues, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Us Today
For personalized assistance with your child support case, contact Sarnacki Law Firm in Grand Rapids. We are dedicated to providing honest, compassionate, and effective legal representation to support you and your family.
Your child’s well-being is our priority. Let us help you secure their future.
