Michigan Child Custody & Michigan Child Support

Michigan courts seek custody, visitation and support arrangements that are in the best interests of the child or children, taking into consideration all of the factors surrounding each particular family. Courts prefer that parents seek agreement on custody, visitation and support issues, but will step in if parents cannot agree. Following are the laws governing Michigan child custody and support.

Michigan Child Custody:

Michigan courts will do everything possible to lessen the emotional impact on children of divorcing parents. If the parents dispute custody, the courts will decide, basing the decision on the best interests of the child or children. The factors the court will consider include:
1) Love, affection, and other emotional ties,
2) Capacity and disposition to give the child love, affection, and guidance,
3) Capacity and disposition to provide for the child’s material needs,
4) Length of time the child has lived in an environment,
5) The permanence of the existing or proposed custodial home,
6) Moral fitness,
7) Mental and physical health,
8) Home, school, and community record of the child,
9) Reasonable preference of the child,
10) Willingness to encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship with other parent,
11) Domestic violence,
12) Any other relevant factors.

Michigan Child Support:

Child support in Michigan is calculated by application of a formula to the combined incomes of both parents. This system considers both the needs of the child or children and the actual resources of the parents. Child support payments are made to the friend of the court or the state disbursement unit.