Child Support in Michigan
State-specific overview · Family Law
Michigan uses statutory child support formula based on combined parental income up to $163,000 with automatic adjustment triggers.
How Michigan treats Child Support
The state applies a percentage of combined income (typically 17–35% depending on number of children and custody), with support generally ending at age 18 or high school graduation. Michigan law requires automatic cost-of-living adjustments every three years unless parents agree otherwise. The formula accounts for custody time, health insurance, and childcare costs as adjustments to the base calculation.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.