How to Modify Child Support in Michigan: Filing Steps and Effective Date
To modify Michigan child support, ask the friend of the court for a review in writing or file a petition, and give the other party notice. A change can start only from notice, and you have 21 days to object to the office’s recommendation.
How do you modify child support in Michigan?
- Run the formula amount in the Michigan child support calculator and check the threshold in the modification calculator.
- Ask for a friend of the court review in writing, or file a petition with the court. The office decides within 14 days whether the order is due for review (MCL 552.517(1)(b)).
- Give notice of any petition to the other party: a change can start only from that date (552.603(2)).
- Send the information the office asks for. It may impute income to a party who fails or refuses to provide it (552.517b(6)(b)).
- Keep paying the existing order until the court changes it.
How does the Michigan friend of the court review work?
The office sends a notice asking for information and a due date. Between 21 and 120 days after the notice, it calculates support under the formula and sends each party the amount, the proposed effective date and a notice that either party may object within 21 days. If no one objects, it submits an order; if someone does, it sets a hearing before a judge or referee or recalculates on new information (552.517b(2)-(4)). The notice of the proposed amount counts as a petition for modification (552.517(6)).
What if I disagree with the Michigan recommendation?
Object in writing within 21 days of the mailing date of the notice. At the hearing the office’s recommendation can be evidence on a fact only if no other evidence is presented on it (552.517b(6)(c)). Bring your own pay stubs and records.
What if my Michigan order has no health insurance provision?
The office must petition the court to require one or both parents to obtain or maintain health care coverage when it is accessible to the child and available at a reasonable cost, using the formula guidelines (552.517(8)).
Why does the notice date matter?
Because each payment is a judgment on and after its due date and cannot be modified retroactively except from the date notice of a pending petition was given (552.603(2)). The office’s notice of a review is not the same as your own petition, so ask the friend of the court how it treats the date.
What if the other parent does not return the information form?
The office may impute income to a party who fails or refuses to provide the information requested in the review notice (552.517b(6)(b)). Return it on time with pay stubs and tax returns.
Who pays for the friend of the court review?
The sections we read set no fee for asking for a review; ask your county office. A review the office starts itself is part of its duties under the friend of the court act (MCL 552.517).
How much does a late petition cost? An example
If notice happens 3, 6 or 9 months after your change, the relief you lose at a $300 monthly difference is:
| Delay before notice | Relief lost |
|---|---|
| 3 months | $900 |
| 6 months | $1,800 |
| 9 months | $2,700 |
What happens to unpaid support while the petition is pending?
It stays owed. See how long Michigan arrears last and add up your balance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I modify child support in Michigan?
Ask the friend of the court for a review in writing or file a petition with the court, and give the other party notice.
How long do I have to object to a Michigan friend of the court recommendation?
Twenty-one days from the date the notice was mailed.
Can the Michigan friend of the court impute income?
Yes, to a party who fails or refuses to provide the information it requests.
Can Michigan change support that came due before notice?
No. Each payment is a judgment on its due date.
Does a Michigan modification stop income withholding?
Not until the court enters the new order.
Official sources
- MCL 552.603: support order as a judgment; no retroactive modification
- MCL 552.605: child support formula and deviation
- MCL 552.517: review of child support orders
- MCL 552.517b: review notice, objections and imputed income
- MCL 552.517f: abatement during incarceration
- 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9): no retroactive modification of support already due
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
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.