CHILD SUPPORT

As a parent, you know the financial obligations that come with raising a child. Laws and guidelines about child support are in place to make sure single parents can sufficiently provide for their kids. Apart from essential costs like food and clothing, there are other expenses to consider. Here at Cicchelli Law Offices, PLLC, our mission is to ensure you either receive or contribute the right child support amount for your child’s welfare.

Are you unsure if your child support is enough? Uncertain about what you should be paying? Have circumstances in your life changed? It can be tough to navigate your rights and duties. But don’t worry, our experienced attorneys at Cicchelli Law Offices, PLLC tackle these questions daily. While the process of figuring out child support involves calculations, it’s vital to input the right information. Our expertise will guarantee fair and accurate outcomes in your child support situation.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Reach out to our attorneys at 248-552-9210, and let’s find a solution together.

Modifying Child Support

Child support isn’t set in stone and should adapt as life circumstances shift. As your children grow, custody arrangements may alter, and new relationships could arise – it’s crucial to seek a court action to adjust the child support order accordingly. Don’t rely on assumptions that the ‘Friend of the Court’ will automatically adapt the support obligation based on income variations. Swiftly informing the court of any changes is vital to prevent you from being saddled with a child support obligation that’s no longer manageable.

Keep in mind that it’s not feasible to make regular changes to support obligations. However, there are specific circumstances that could justify a modification, such as:

Three years have passed since the last support order or modification. Michigan law grants the right to review support orders every three years, ensuring fairness based on updated factors and the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual.

A significant change of circumstances has occurred, including the child turning 18 (or 19 ½ if still in high school). College education may be included if specified in the original agreement.

Courts recognize changes in income, custody, and employability as additional circumstances warranting support modification.

Formerly known as visitation, parenting time is the term used in Michigan law to describe the time a child spends with each parent. The law prioritizes maintaining a strong parent-child relationship, presuming it to be in the child’s best interest. Parenting time is typically granted unless clear and convincing evidence proves it would harm the child physically, mentally, or emotionally. Parents have the right to a specific schedule that includes regular dates and times.

Parenting time arrangements can be established in custody, divorce, or child support cases. Parents can reach an agreement on a schedule that the court will enforce. Alternatively, the court may determine a parenting time schedule it deems best for the child. Modifications to parenting time can be made through a motion if proper cause or a change in circumstances exists.