Child support plays a vital role in maintaining a child’s care after a divorce or separation. But when jobs change, children grow, and financial circumstances shift, your child support order may no longer fit your situation. Michigan law provides a process for modifying it to fit a family’s evolving needs.
If you live in Mid-Michigan—whether in Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, Ionia, or any surrounding community in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, or Ionia County—this guide can help you understand when and how to request a modification of your child support order.
Understanding Child Support Modifications in Mid-Michigan
In Michigan, child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers both parents’ income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. Either parent can request a modification to either increase or decrease the amount based on a significant change in life circumstances.
Common Reasons to Request a Modification:
- Change in Income: Either parent may experience a substantial change in income, such as job loss, reduction in hours, a new job, or a promotion. This may justify revisiting the support amount and should be reported to the court.
- Change in the Child’s Needs: As children grow, their needs evolve. Increased educational expenses or medical treatments may support a request for increased support.
- Change in Custody or Parenting Time: If parenting time shifts significantly, for example, a noncustodial parent begins spending more overnights with the child, that can change the child support calculation.
Courts in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Ionia Counties will typically consider a request for a support review for one of two reasons. 1) There has been a “change in circumstances”, OR 2) It has been 36 months since the last order.
How to Modify a Child Support Order in Mid-Michigan
Whether you’re in Ingham County or elsewhere in Mid-Michigan, the process for modifying child support generally follows the same steps:
1. Consult a Michigan Family Law Attorney
Before filing anything, you should consult with an attorney experienced in child support matters. A family law attorney can help you determine if your case qualifies for a modification and assist you with taking the correct legal steps to get the modification..
2. File a Motion for Modification
You must file a Motion to Modify Child Support in the same circuit court that issued the original order. This will typically be:
- 30th Circuit Court (Ingham County) – Lansing
- 56th Circuit Court (Eaton County) – Charlotte
- 29th Circuit Court (Clinton County) – St. Johns
- 8th Circuit Court (Ionia County) – Ionia
Your motion must state the reasons why you believe a change is needed and include all supporting documentation, such as recent pay stubs, medical bills, childcare costs, or parenting time records.
3. Attend a Court Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the motion. Both parties must attend and will have an opportunity to present their side. You should note that this means the other parent will be given an opportunity to object to the motion. A judge will hear and review evidence from both sides and decide whether the support amount should be changed.
In some cases, the Friend of the Court (FOC) may conduct a review and make recommendations before a judge hears the case.
Speak With a Mid-Michigan Child Support Modification Attorney
If you believe your child support order needs to be changed, don’t go it alone. At The Kronzek Firm, we work with parents throughout Lansing, St. Johns, Grand Ledge, Portland, and beyond to protect their rights and ensure their children’s needs are met.
Contact our office today for a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and navigate the court process with confidence.
We can assist clients in Ingham County, Clinton County, Eaton County, Ionia, Jackson, Livingston County, and throughout Mid-Michigan.
📞 Our attorneys have helped thousands of Michigan clients over the last 30 years. You can reach our Lansing office 24/7 at (517) 886-1000.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]