Child Custody and Support

10.    What is the basis for determination of child support in Michigan?  The laws differ from state to state.  Normally there is a formula used.   This formula looks at the income of both parents,  along with the number of overnights the child or children spend with each parent. This  computer formula is then run based upon these factors to come up with the appropriate  amount of child support.  

9.    I am paying child support, and feel that my former wife who is receiving it, is spending it  frivolously.  Does she have to account for it?  The answer is no.  Child support is supposed to be for your child or children, but there is no accounting required.  It normally includes payment towards housing, utilities, food, clothing, gasoline,  entertainment, etc. In most instances, the cost of raising a child is far less than the amount of child support being paid and received.

9. How specific a schedule do you need for parenting time/visitation? The better your communication and the older your children, the less specificity that you need.  

8. What is the typical schedule? The typical, traditional schedule has been alternate weekends from Friday until Sunday, along with alternate holidays consisting of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter, sometimes New Years, Mother's Day with mom and Father's Day with dad, sometimes alternating or sharing the children's birthdays and the children having the parent's birthday with each parent, along with any other visitation/parenting time that is agreed to between the parties.

9. Is child custody an issue in most divorces where there are minor children? In most divorces, custody issues are settled very easily. It is only a small percentage where custody becomes an issue.

8. Is there an age where a child can decide who he or she wants to live with? There is no automatic age in Michigan. Under the laws, a child can have input. The older a child is, the more input that child has. Many courts have held that they are not going to let a child make the final decision. So to speak, the “tail is not going to be allowed to wag the dog”.