In Michigan, the Michigan Child Custody Act governs termination of custody as well as parenting time. Both custody and parenting time are governed by a general standard?the ?best interests of the child.? However, there are also some specific rules to enforce this general standard. The Act also provides rules for the change in circumstances that may warrant a change in custody or parenting time. There are many types of custody arrangements, from full custody by one parent, to alternate weekends, to school year vs. summer. The experienced child custody and parenting time attorneys at Perry & Stuursma can help you understand these laws and come up with an arrangement beneficial for you, your spouse, and your children.

The Michigan Child Support Guidelines use a formula to determine shared economic responsibility for a child. The amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay is determined on the following factors:

• Number of children
• Net monthly income of custodial and non-custodial parent
• Amount of monthly support paid by custodial and non-custodial parent for children or spouse from a prior relationship
• Monthly cost of family group health insurance paid by custodial and non-custodial parent
• Monthly cost of day care paid for by custodial and non-custodial parent

Child support can also be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Call the lawyers at Perry & Stuursma to discuss your financial situation and child support obligations.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with a west Michigan child support lawyer regarding your family law issue, please feel free to call our Grand Rapids office at (616) 776-3900. You may also fill out the form on the Contact Us page of this website, and a representative from our office will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to hearing from you!