Helping Families in Lansing, East Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, and Ionia Protect Their Children’s Financial Security
If you stopped receiving your court-ordered child support, the financial stress can feel overwhelming. For families in Mid-Michigan, including Lansing, Okemos, Charlotte, Mason, St. Johns, and Ionia, you can request the court to enforce child support and protect your child’s well-being.
What Is Child Support Under Michigan Law?
Under MCL 552.605, child support is a legal obligation imposed on the noncustodial parent to contribute financially for the care of their child. Child support orders are commonly entered during divorce, custody, or paternity proceedings and are monitored and enforced by the Friend of the Court (FOC) in the county where the order was issued, such as Ingham County FOC in Lansing or Eaton County FOC in Charlotte.
What to Avoid When Child Support Goes Unpaid
If you stop receiving payments, you should inform your attorney as soon as possible. Some common mistakes to avoid are:
- Do not withhold parenting time. Child support and parenting time are separate legal issues in Michigan. Just because one parent is not fulfilling their obligation in one, does not mean you do not have to fulfill your obligation in the other.
- Do not make side deals. Informal agreements are not enforceable. If you or the other parent wants to make a change in the amount, you must petition the court to make the change.
- Do not ignore missed payments. The longer you wait to report non-payment, the harder it becomes to recover the overdue amount.
Do not confront the other parent. Confrontations can hurt your credibility. Let your attorney or the court handle enforcement.
Steps to Take If Child Support Isn’t Being Paid
1. Keep Thorough Records
Maintain a detailed log of missed payments, including:
- Dates and amounts due
- Any partial or late payments
- Copies of texts or emails about payments
- Bank statements or MiChildSupport screenshots
This documentation is essential if you need to pursue enforcement in Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, or Ionia County courts. You can keep track of child support payment activity through the MiChildSupport portal.
2. Contact the Friend of the Court
Each Mid-Michigan county has its own FOC office. They can enforce child support through:
- Income withholding from wages
- Driver’s license suspension (MCL 552.628)
- Tax refund interception
- Garnishment of bank accounts
If your case isn’t already with the FOC, your attorney can help file a motion to initiate enforcement services.
3. File a Motion to Enforce or for Show Cause
If FOC enforcement is ineffective, your attorney can file a Motion to Enforce or a Motion to Show Cause in circuit court. This compels the non-paying parent to appear and provide a valid reason for the non-payment. If they do not appear or do not have a valid reason, they can be held in contempt, face fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time.
4. Request a Support Review or Modification
If the other parent has lost their job or experienced financial hardship, the court may review and modify the order. Either party may request a review every 36 months or sooner for a substantial change in circumstances.
Important: Missed payments remain due until the order is officially changed. These unpaid amounts are called arrears, and the court may increase monthly payments until they are fully recovered.
Why Legal Representation in Mid-Michigan Matters
Enforcing a child support order in Mid-Michigan can be complex. A skilled family law attorney who understands the procedures in Ingham County (Lansing), Eaton County (Charlotte), Clinton County (St. Johns), and Ionia County (Ionia) can help ensure the court hears your concerns and takes action.
At The Kronzek Firm, we’ve helped parents across the region, including East Lansing, Holt, Potterville, DeWitt, and Portland, recover the child support they’re owed and secure a stable future for their children.
📞 Schedule a consultation by calling (517)-886-1000. We’ll fight to make sure your child receives the support they need and deserve.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please consult a qualified Michigan family law attorney.]