How Much Do I Owe? Michigan’s Child Support Math (a.k.a. Why You’re Broke Now)
So you just got hit with a child support order and your first reaction was:
“How the hell did they come up with that number?!”
Don’t worry. You’re not the first person to dramatically scroll through the Friend of the Court paperwork like it’s a surprise tax bill.
But spoiler: It’s not random. It’s math. Brutal, legally mandated math.
📊 So How Does Michigan Calculate Child Support?
Here’s the breakdown—minus the 43-page PDF and legalese headache:
✅ 1. Income of Both Parents
That’s right—it’s not just what you make.
The court looks at both parties’ incomes (gross, not net). That includes:
Wages and salaries
Bonuses, tips, commissions
Unemployment benefits
Rental income
Self-employment earnings
Even “under-the-table” money if it can be proven
Got a cash hustle? Think it’s off the radar?
💡 Think again. Judges and FOC aren’t new here.
✅ 2. Overnights With the Child
In Michigan, overnights matter—a lot.
More overnights = less child support (in most cases).
So if you’re wondering why your number seems high, pull out a calendar and check how many nights your kid actually spends with you.
And no—picking them up from school and dropping them back off at 8PM doesn’t count.
✅ 3. Health Insurance & Childcare Costs
Paying for daycare? Health insurance premiums?
Those get baked into the equation. But don't expect a dollar-for-dollar refund. The formula adjusts based on proportionate income shares.
In other words:
💰 You make more = You pay more.
Even if both of you are technically “contributing.”
✅ 4. Other Children
If you’ve got kids from another relationship—congrats, you’ve triggered a multiplier.
Michigan factors in your other support obligations when determining what’s “fair.”
But fair doesn’t mean cheap. It means financially survivable...ish.
⚖️ Can You Challenge the Amount?
Sure—but here’s what won’t work:
❌ “That’s too much!”
❌ “She doesn’t even need that much!”
❌ “But I bought him a PS5!”
❌ “I only take cash at my tattoo shop—good luck proving my income!”
What can work?
✔️ Proving a major change in income
✔️ Showing a shift in overnights
✔️ Evidence of hidden income or fraud from the other side
✔️ Filing for a motion to modify—not just complaining in group texts
🚨 Real Talk:
Child support isn’t a punishment.
It’s not “spousal revenge.”
It’s a court-ordered contribution to your kid’s life—based on numbers, not vibes.
So the next time you feel the urge to say “the system’s rigged,” maybe pause and consider:
Did you report your actual income?
Are you showing up for your parenting time?
Are you trying to co-parent—or just co-complain?
🛡️ Newburg Law | Your Family. Your Future. Your Foundation.
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