How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Michigan

13 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support specific to Michigan. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help online self-help center is one of the most robust in the US.

13 Resources

1. Michigan Office of Child Support — Free

State-level agency within MDHHS administering Michigan's IV-D child support program, including locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and enforcing support orders. Serves custodial and noncustodial parents statewide. To open or update a case, parents typically provide photo ID, the child's birth certificate, any existing court orders, and income documentation such as recent pay stubs.

866-540-0008 · P.O. Box 30478, Lansing, MI 48909 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. MiChildSupport Online Portal — Free

Michigan's official online portal for managing child support cases, viewing payment history, updating personal information such as address and employer, and accessing the mobile app. Available to custodial and noncustodial parents statewide. Users register with their case number and personal identifiers; photo ID may be required when calling support for account recovery or case updates.

866-540-0008 · Online portal · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) — Free

Centralized state unit that processes and distributes all IV-D child support payments in Michigan. Accepts payments from noncustodial parents by mail, online, and through employer income withholding. Serves custodial parents statewide who receive payments. Users need their case or participant ID; employers need employee FEIN and case details when remitting withholding.

877-543-2660 · P.O. Box 30354, Lansing, MI 48909 · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Michigan Child Support Formula Calculator — Free

Official online calculator from the State Court Administrative Office to estimate child support obligations based on each parent's income, number of overnights, and the Michigan Child Support Formula. Free statewide resource used by parents, attorneys, and Friend of the Court offices. Users should have pay stubs, tax returns, and a proposed parenting time schedule on hand.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Macomb County Friend of the Court — Free

Manages child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time for Macomb County families in Mount Clemens. One of Michigan's largest Friend of the Court offices by caseload. Parents can request income withholding updates, show-cause reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, and recent pay stubs when scheduled for an appointment.

586-469-5160 · 10 N Main St, 2nd Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Genesee County Friend of the Court — Free

Handles child support enforcement, custody recommendations, and parenting time disputes for Genesee County residents in the Flint area. Parents may request income withholding updates, support review hearings, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs when attending a scheduled appointment.

810-257-3300 · 630 S Saginaw St, Suite 2500, Flint, MI 48502 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Washtenaw County Friend of the Court — Free

Assists the 22nd Circuit Court with child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time matters for Washtenaw County families in Ann Arbor. Parents may file motions for review, request income withholding, and submit parenting time complaints. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs to scheduled appointments with FOC staff.

734-222-3050 · 101 E Huron St, Room 1102, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Kalamazoo County Friend of the Court — Free

Manages child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time for Kalamazoo County families. Parents may request income withholding updates, show-cause reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs to scheduled appointments at the county courthouse on W Michigan Ave.

269-383-8075 · 227 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Berrien County Friend of the Court — Free

Provides child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time services for Berrien County in southwest Michigan. Parents may request enforcement actions, support reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs to scheduled appointments at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph.

269-983-7111 · 811 Port St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Muskegon County Friend of the Court — Free

Manages child support enforcement, custody investigations, and parenting time for Muskegon County families. Parents may request income withholding updates, show-cause reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs when attending scheduled appointments at the county Hall of Justice on Terrace Street.

231-724-6241 · 990 Terrace St, Muskegon, MI 49442 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Livingston County Friend of the Court — Free

Handles child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time for Livingston County families in Howell. Parents may request income withholding updates, show-cause reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs to scheduled appointments at the Livingston County Judicial Center.

517-546-1500 · 204 S Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Jackson County Friend of the Court — Free

Provides child support enforcement, custody evaluations, and parenting time services for Jackson County families. Parents may request income withholding updates, show-cause reviews, and parenting time complaint reviews. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, child birth certificates, and recent pay stubs to scheduled appointments at the Jackson County Courthouse on S Jackson Street.

517-788-4280 · 312 S Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Michigan Friend of the Court Bureau — Free

State office within SCAO overseeing all 83 county Friend of the Court offices. Provides complaint resolution, policy guidance, training, and resources for child support and parenting time cases statewide. Parents who have exhausted local FOC remedies may submit a formal grievance in writing; include case number, county, and a summary of the complaint for review by bureau staff.

517-373-5975 · P.O. Box 30048, Lansing, MI 48909 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.