Child Support Attorney in Farmington Hills, Michigan

According to the Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support report by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2017, nearly 51.4% of all custodial parents in the United States have either a legal or informal child support agreement in place. In Michigan, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. Hence, quality child support arrangements are often established between the divorcing or separating parents to maintain a child's living standard and ensure their basic needs are adequately covered.

Steven L. Rotenberg is dedicated to offering knowledgeable and comprehensive legal guidance to clients in family law-related matters, including divorce and child support. He is available to discuss your unique circumstances and explore your possible legal options. Whether you're trying to establish a child support agreement, modify, or terminate an existing child support order, Steven L. Rotenberg can offer you the detailed legal counsel and reliable advocacy you need. As an experienced Michigan family law attorney, he will fight diligently to protect your rights and your family's best interests.

Steven L. Rotenberg, PLLC, is proud to represent clients across Bingham Farms, Mount Clemens, Pontiac, Monroe, and the metro Detroit, Michigan area.

Understanding Child Support in Michigan

Under Michigan laws, both parents are required to support their children financially until they turn 18 or complete their high school education. In most cases, only the noncustodial parent will make child support payments to the custodial parent. The purpose of the child support payment is to cover the child's basic needs, including daily living expenses, health insurance, school tuition, and other expenses required to maintain the child's living standard.

Factors Considered in Determining Amount

To determine the amount of child support, the Michigan court may consider the following factors:

• Both parent's income

• Their parenting time

• The number of children to support

• The existing custodial arrangement

• The cost of child care and healthcare

Modifying an Existing Arrangement

If you believe circumstances have changed since the existing support order was made, you can always seek a modification of an existing child support arrangement. The requesting spouse must show that there has been a "substantial change in a parent's circumstances" since the support order was agreed upon. Some common reasons for requesting a child support modification include:

• Involuntary loss of job

• A substantial change in income

• A permanent disability

• Critical illness or serious injury that makes the parent unable to work

• Changes in parenting time or visitation schedule

• Being called into active military duty

• The child's needs have increased

• The need for medical care or health insurance coverage

• Having a new child

Termination of Child Support

According to the Michigan Support and Parenting Time Enforcement Act Section 552.605b, a child support order will end:

• After the child reaches 18 years of age, or

• After the child reaches 19 years and 6 months of age if the child is still in high school

Work With an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Child support is an important family law issue that must be resolved before a divorce proceeding can be finalized. If you are a parent trying to create a child support agreement or seeking modifications to the existing child support order, you need to speak with an experienced family law attorney for detailed guidance and to protect your best interests.

Steven L. Rotenberg has devoted his career to offering outstanding legal services and guiding clients in the legal matters of divorce and child support. As your legal counsel, he will help you understand every detail surrounding the child support process, including how to establish, calculate, modify, review, or terminate a child support decree. Using his extensive experience, Steven L. Rotenberg will advocate for your child support rights and work diligently with both parents to resolve child support issues amicably.