College and Adult Child Support in Michigan: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

We found no Michigan provision for court-ordered college support or for a disabled adult child in the sections we read. A provision for support after 18 by agreement of the parties is valid and enforceable.

Does child support cover college in Michigan?

We found no provision in the sections we read that lets a court order support for college. The extension after 18 is for a full-time high school student (MCL 552.605b). A provision for support after 18 by agreement of the parties is valid and enforceable (552.605b(5)), so parents can agree to cover college and have the court include it in the order.

Can parents agree to pay for college in Michigan?

Yes, if the agreement is in the judgment or order and is stated in the order, approved by the parties or their attorneys, signed in writing or stated on the record (552.605b(5)). Put the amount, the schools, grade conditions and an end date in it.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Michigan?

We found no provision in the sections we read for support of an adult child with a disability. If this is your situation, talk to a licensed Michigan attorney about your options before the 18th birthday.

What are the age limits for a given birth date?

After those dates, college help comes only from an agreement.

How should a college agreement be written?

• Which costs are covered: tuition, housing, books or a cap.
• Each parent’s share and when payments are due.
• Grade or enrollment conditions and what happens if the child leaves school.
• An end date or maximum number of years.
• Court approval so the agreement can be enforced.

How long does a college agreement last?

As long as it says. The statute makes a provision for support after 18 valid and enforceable by agreement but sets no end date for it, so name one: a number of years, a degree or a birthday.

Does a Michigan college agreement need to be in the order?

The statute says the provision must be contained in the judgment or order by agreement, stated in the order, approved, signed or stated on the record (552.605b(5)). A side promise outside the order is hard to enforce, so have it made part of the order.

What if the child changes schools or takes a gap year?

Say so in the agreement. Without a term for it you are left arguing about whether the support continues. Include a date for proof of enrollment each term and what happens if the child does not enroll.

Can a Michigan court order support for a disabled adult child?

The sections we read do not provide for it, and we are not stating a rule. Raise it with a licensed Michigan attorney before the 18th birthday, because the answer may depend on an agreement or on other law.

Can the agreement be modified later?

Support orders can be modified from the date notice of a petition is given (MCL 552.603(2)), so write the college terms with their own review conditions to avoid a dispute over what counts as a change.

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see how long Michigan arrears last and the Michigan child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• MCL 552.605b: child support after 18
• MCL 552.603: judgment; retroactive modification
• MCL 552.517f: abatement during incarceration
• MCL 552.517: review

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Michigan statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Michigan attorney.