Modifying Child Custody or Child Support in Michigan

After a Michigan child support order has been issued, either parent may be eligible to modify the child custody and child support orders. A divorce attorney can advise you of the procedures associated with modifying your child support orders and handle filing the appropriate paperwork for you.

Modifying a Michigan Child Support Order

You may modify a court order for Michigan child support in two different ways. The first way is to have a Friend of the Court review it every 36 months, which is mandatory in some cases and done upon written request in others. The Friend of the Court office may request information from both parents’ employers.

Financial Investigation

During the review, the judge may request a financial investigation take place and be included in the final written report and recommendation from the office. The recommendation must be presented to the parents (or their attorneys) and the judge with a decision on modifying child support. This determination may be objected to with an Objection to Child Support Review form.

Motion for Modification

A parent may also request a child support modification within the court by filing the appropriate motion through their divorce attorney. This is typically done more often than every 3 years if there is a substantial change in income for either parent. If both parents agree to the change in child support, the forms are signed and the motion becomes a court order.

Modifying an Order for Child Custody

To modify child custody orders a motion must be filed with the court either by contacting the Friend of the Court or by speaking with an Ann Arbor divorce attorney. Notice should be given to the other party when a motion is being filed, and most motions can be objected to after filing.

Friend of the Court

The county Friend of the Court offices were established to enforce orders of child support (in matters which the County has jurisdiction). They hold contracts with the Michigan Department of Human Services to assist with locating absent parents and provide reports on Michigan child support collections to the MDHS. The duties of the Friend of the Court offices include:

• conducting investigations for Michigan child support and child custody;
• enforcing applicable court orders;
• offering mediation services; and
• providing administrative oversight for domestic relation cases.

Talk to a Family Attorney

Whether you are in the process of obtaining a divorce or you have a current child support or child custody order in need of modification, you have the right to seek the guidance of a divorce attorney. Your attorney can assist you in filing the appropriate court motions and forms that will allow you to modify your Michigan child support or child custody orders.