Novi Child Support Attorney

Build a Better Future for You & Your Children

For many people who are going through a divorce or separation, child support can be a tense and challenging aspect to resolve. The decision regarding child support can have a major impact on your life and the future well-being of your children. Having the guidance of an experienced Novi child support attorney can allow you to navigate the legal process with ease.

At the Law Offices of Elaine Stypula, our Novi child support attorney has helped clients through a wide variety of cases and can provide the advocacy you need in your child support case. Our founding attorney has extensive experience raising children, developing parenting time schedules, and resolving child support disputes.

Contact us at (248) 565-3800 to learn how our firm can help you with your child support case.

Understanding Child Support Proceedings in Michigan

There are many steps you must resolve in such cases, including:

• What forms of income should be included in calculations
• How flexible the child support guidelines should be
• What payment amount is reasonable for covering the needs of the child
• How each parent’s incomes impacts child support payments

Normally, both parents share the responsibility of supporting their children financially. 

What is the Biggest Factor in Calculating Child Support?

Common factors that Michigan courts will examine in making a decision include each parent’s income, how many children require the support, the age of the children, and the parenting time of each parent. The courts will also review any educational or medical expenses, as well as any special needs a child might have. This is referred to as the Michigan Child Support Formula, and it ensures that both parents contribute to the well-being of their child in a fair and equitable manner.

In addition to the basic formula, other factors can influence the amount of child support ordered by the court. These factors include:

• Income: Both parents’ incomes are considered in determining the amount of child support. If one parent is self-employed or has irregular income, additional documentation may be required.
• Parenting Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child is also considered. The more time a parent spends with the child, the less they may be required to pay in child support.
• Healthcare Costs: The costs of medical insurance and any out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child are factored into the calculation.
• Childcare Expenses: If either parent incurs childcare expenses due to work or other obligations, those expenses may be included in the child support calculation.
• Special Needs: If a child has special needs that require additional financial resources, this can also impact the child support amount.

An experienced Novi child support attorney can assist you in understanding how these factors apply to your case and can ensure that all appropriate factors are considered when calculating child support.

How Much Do Most Fathers Pay for Child Support?

In Michigan, child support is calculated based on a percentage of the paying parent's income, and the percentage increases as the number of children increases. Here’s an overview of how child support payments are typically calculated as a percentage of the paying parent’s income, based on the number of children:

• For One Child: 17% of the paying parent’s income.
• For Two Children: 25% of the paying parent’s income.
• For Three Children: 29% of the paying parent’s income.
• For Four Children: 31% of the paying parent’s income.
• For Five or More Children: 34% of the paying parent’s income.

Is it Possible to Modify a Child Support Order?

Child support orders are not set in stone. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, either parent may request a modification of the child support order.

Common reasons for requesting a modification include:

• Change in Income: If one parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income, it may be grounds for requesting a modification of child support.
• Changes in Parenting Time: If the custody arrangement or parenting time schedule changes, this could result in a modification of the child support order.
• Changes in the Child’s Needs: If the child develops special needs or if their healthcare or educational needs change, a modification may be necessary.
• Job Loss or Health Issues: A parent may need to modify their child support obligations due to job loss, illness, or other significant life events.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support in Michigan?

While it's not strictly required to have a lawyer for child support cases in Michigan, hiring an experienced attorney can significantly benefit you. A lawyer can help ensure that the child support amount is calculated fairly, protect your rights, and help you navigate the legal process, especially if there are complications or disputes over custody, income, or other factors. If you're modifying a support order or facing non-compliance issues, legal representation is highly recommended.

Contact our Michigan Child Support Attorney

With over 20 years of legal experience, Attorney Stypula has provided many clients with detailed legal counsel through many different family law issues. As a seasoned Novi child support lawyer, she approaches each case strategically, focusing on obtaining the best possible results. As both counselor and coach, she guides clients to the light at the end of the tunnel. Our child support lawyers in Novi can help you pursue a reasonable child custody and fair child support arrangement that is beneficial for you and your children.

Ready to address your child support concerns? Reach out to our Novi office at (248) 565-3800 for dedicated support.

Commonly Asked Questions

Does child support increase if salary increases in Michigan?

Yes, child support payments can increase if a parent’s salary increases. In Michigan, child support is based on both parents' incomes, so if the paying parent’s income increases, the child support obligation may also increase. However, the court must approve any changes, and the increase must be supported by a request for modification based on the change in financial circumstances.

How much is child support for one kid in Michigan?

The child support amount for one child in Michigan is determined using a set formula that considers the income of both parents and other relevant factors such as healthcare and childcare costs. For one child, the payment may range between $200 to $500 per month, but the exact amount can vary depending on the income and custody situation. The Michigan Child Support Formula provides a guideline, but the court has discretion to adjust based on specific circumstances.