Answer
Child support in Michigan ends when the child turns 18 years old under MCL 552.605b. Michigan courts may extend support past age 18 if the child is still attending high school full-time, but support cannot continue beyond age 19 years and 6 months under any circumstances. Michigan does not require parents to pay child support for college expenses. The Friend of the Court (FOC) enforces all child support orders and processes payments through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU).
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Default Child Support End Age | 18 years old |
| Maximum Extension | Age 19 years, 6 months (high school only) |
| Filing Fee (with children) | $255 ($150 base + $25 e-filing + $80 FOC fee) |
| Filing Fee (no children) | $175 ($150 base + $25 e-filing) |
| Residency Requirement | 180 days in Michigan, 10 days in county |
| Grounds for Divorce | No-fault (breakdown of marriage) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution |
| Support Formula | Income Shares Model (2025 MCSF) |
| College Support Required | No |
| Governing Statute | MCL 552.605b |
When Does Child Support End in Michigan by Default?
Child support in Michigan terminates automatically when a child reaches age 18, unless a court order specifies otherwise under MCL 552.605b. Michigan follows a straightforward rule: the support obligation ends on the last day of the month in which the child turns 18. This default applies to approximately 95% of all Michigan child support cases where the child graduates high school before turning 18.
The Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), updated January 1, 2025, governs how support amounts are calculated using an Income Shares Model. Both parents' incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation, and each parent pays a proportional share based on their percentage of combined income. The 2025 formula update removed the previous 10%-to-90% income apportionment cap, meaning actual income percentages are now used regardless of disparity.
Every Michigan child support order must include a specific termination date stated as the last day of a designated month. The order cannot simply say "until the child turns 18" without specifying the exact month and year. This precision prevents disputes about when payments should stop and allows the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) to process final payments accurately.
Parents should review their divorce judgment or support order to confirm the stated end date. If the order lacks a specific termination provision, the paying parent should file a motion with the Friend of the Court rather than unilaterally stopping payments. Stopping payments without a court order or FOC confirmation can result in contempt charges, license suspension, or wage garnishment.
Post-Majority Support: Extension Beyond Age 18
Michigan allows child support to continue past age 18 only when a child is regularly attending high school full-time with a reasonable expectation of completing sufficient credits to graduate, as specified in MCL 552.605b. The absolute maximum age for child support in Michigan is 19 years and 6 months, and no court can extend support beyond that cutoff for any reason.
To qualify for post-majority support, three conditions must be met simultaneously. First, the child must be enrolled in high school as a full-time student. Second, the child must have a reasonable expectation of graduating based on academic progress. Third, the child must reside full-time with the parent receiving support payments. Part-time enrollment, GED programs, or alternative education settings may not qualify depending on the court's interpretation.
A complaint or motion for post-majority support may be filed at any time before the child reaches age 19 years and 6 months. Either parent or the Friend of the Court can initiate this request. The court will evaluate the child's academic record, enrollment status, and living arrangements before granting the extension.
The post-majority support amount typically remains at the same level as the pre-18 order, although the court retains discretion to modify the amount based on changed circumstances. If the child drops out of high school, stops attending full-time, or moves out of the custodial parent's home, the support obligation terminates immediately regardless of the child's age.
Emancipation and Early Termination of Child Support
A child in Michigan can become emancipated before age 18 through marriage, military enlistment, or a court order under MCL 722.4, which terminates the child support obligation early. Michigan courts grant emancipation when a minor demonstrates the ability to manage their own financial, personal, and social affairs, with proof of employment and housing required as part of the petition.
The emancipation process begins when the minor files a petition with the family court. The minor bears the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The court considers whether the parent or guardian objects, whether the objecting parent is actually providing support, and whether the minor can demonstrate self-sufficiency. Key evidence includes proof of employment with sufficient income, proof of housing arrangements, and an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities.
Importantly, even after court-ordered emancipation, MCL 722.4 states that parents remain jointly and severally obligated to support the minor. This means emancipation does not automatically eliminate child support in Michigan. The paying parent must still file a separate motion to terminate the support order based on the emancipation. Courts typically grant termination, but the legal step is required.
Other events that may trigger early termination include the child's death, the death of the paying parent (though life insurance provisions in the order may continue the obligation), adoption by a stepparent, or a court finding that the child is self-supporting. Each scenario requires a formal motion and court order to stop payments legally.
Michigan Child Support and College Expenses
Michigan does not require parents to pay for college or post-secondary education through child support orders, distinguishing Michigan from states like Illinois and New Jersey where courts can compel college contributions. Under MCL 552.605b, post-majority support is limited exclusively to high school completion and cannot be extended to cover university tuition, room and board, or related expenses.
This limitation applies even when courts exercise deviation authority under MCL 552.605(2). While courts may deviate from the standard child support formula when strict application would be unjust or inappropriate, this deviation power does not include authority to order college expense contributions. The Michigan Court of Appeals has consistently upheld this restriction.
Parents who want to share college costs have two practical options. First, they can negotiate a voluntary agreement during the divorce process and include college contribution terms in their settlement agreement. While these provisions are not enforceable as child support, they may be enforceable as contractual obligations between the parents. Second, parents can establish education savings accounts (such as Michigan Education Trust or 529 plans) during the marriage and specify their division in the property settlement.
Families with children approaching college age should address education funding during divorce negotiations rather than relying on future court intervention. The average annual cost of in-state tuition at the University of Michigan exceeds $17,000, while Michigan State University costs approximately $15,000 per year, making advance planning essential.
How Michigan Calculates Child Support Amounts
Michigan uses the Income Shares Model under the 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), which combines both parents' net incomes to determine the total child support obligation and then divides responsibility proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. The 2025 formula, effective January 1, 2025, introduced over 20 changes including removing the previous 10%-to-90% income apportionment range.
| Factor | 2024 Formula | 2025 Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Income Apportionment Range | 10% to 90% cap | Actual percentage (0% to 100%) |
| Ordinary Medical Threshold | $454/child/year | $200/child/year |
| Childcare Age Limit | Through age 12 | Through age 13 |
| Incapacitated Parent Share | Minimum 10% | Can be 0% |
| Formula Review Cycle | Every 4 years | Every 4 years |
The formula considers base income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, and investment returns. The 2025 update clarified treatment of variable income such as overtime and bonuses, providing more detailed guidance for calculating support when a parent's income fluctuates significantly.
Michigan provides a free online calculator through the MiCase system at micase.state.mi.us, allowing parents to estimate their child support obligation using the current formula. The calculator requires inputs including gross income, tax filing status, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and the number of overnight parenting time days.
Courts retain deviation authority under MCL 552.605(2) when strict application of the formula would produce an unjust or inappropriate result. The 2025 update clarified that courts are not required to implement a deviation simply because a deviation factor exists. Judicial discretion remains central to the modification process.
How to Modify or Terminate Child Support in Michigan
Either parent can file a motion to modify child support in Michigan by demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances under MCL 552.517, and the Friend of the Court is required to review orders periodically and petition for modification when the projected support amount differs from the current order by more than the minimum threshold. The FOC must complete its review within 180 days of determining that a review is required.
Common grounds for modification include job loss or significant income reduction, substantial income increase for either parent, changes in the child's medical needs, changes in parenting time arrangements, remarriage affecting household finances, and changes in the number of children requiring support. The court applies the current child support formula (2025 MCSF) to all modification requests regardless of when the original order was entered.
To file a motion for modification, parents can contact their local Friend of the Court office or file directly with the circuit court. The motion filing fee is $20 per motion as of March 2026. Parents who cannot afford the fee may request a fee waiver using Michigan Court Form MC 20. The FOC will investigate the circumstances, calculate the projected support under the current formula, and make a recommendation to the court.
The modification process typically takes 2 to 4 months from filing to court order, depending on whether the parties agree or the matter requires a hearing. Modifications are generally effective from the date the motion is filed, not retroactively. This means parents should file promptly when circumstances change rather than waiting and accumulating arrearages that cannot be retroactively adjusted.
Friend of the Court: Enforcement and Administration
The Friend of the Court (FOC) is a statutory office within every Michigan county circuit court that investigates, recommends, and enforces child support orders, processing all payments through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) via income withholding, direct deposit, or debit card. The FOC program is jointly administered by the Office of Child Support (OCS), county prosecuting attorneys, and the State Court Administrative Office Friend of the Court Bureau (FOCB).
The FOC has significant enforcement powers when a parent falls behind on child support payments. Available enforcement tools include automatic income withholding from wages, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's licenses and professional licenses, denial of passport applications for arrearages exceeding $2,500, reporting to credit bureaus, filing contempt of court proceedings, and issuing bench warrants for repeated nonpayment.
Parents can access their child support case information through the MiChildSupport online portal at micase.state.mi.us. The portal allows parents to view payment history, check balances, update contact information, and communicate with their local FOC office. The statewide child support phone line is 1-877-543-2660, and the FOC Bureau can be reached at focb-info@courts.mi.gov.
If a paying parent disagrees with the FOC's recommendation or enforcement action, they have the right to object and request a hearing before a judge. Objections must be filed within 21 days of receiving the FOC's recommendation. The court will then schedule a hearing where both parents can present evidence and arguments before the judge makes a final determination.
Filing for Divorce in Michigan: Requirements and Costs
Filing for divorce in Michigan requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 180 consecutive days and in the filing county for 10 consecutive days immediately before filing under MCL 552.9. The filing fee for divorce with minor children is $255, which includes the $150 base fee, $25 e-filing fee under MCL 600.1986(1)(a), and $80 Friend of the Court custody fee under MCL 600.2529(1)(d)(i). As of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state, meaning the only ground for divorce is that the marriage relationship has been destroyed and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation. Neither spouse needs to prove fault, misconduct, or wrongdoing. However, fault-related conduct may be considered by the court when dividing property or determining spousal support.
The county residency requirement has one exception: the 10-day county requirement is waived when the defendant was born in or is a citizen of a foreign country and there are minor children of the marriage. A temporary absence from Michigan does not destroy established domicile as long as the person intends to return and has not established domicile elsewhere.
Michigan imposes a mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. For divorces without minor children, the waiting period is 60 days. For divorces involving minor children, the waiting period extends to 180 days (6 months), although the court may reduce this to no less than 60 days upon showing of good cause. The waiting period begins on the date the divorce complaint is filed with the court.
What Happens to Child Support Arrearages After the Child Turns 18
Child support arrearages in Michigan survive the child's 18th birthday and remain a legally enforceable debt until paid in full, regardless of whether the child has reached adulthood. The FOC continues to enforce collection of unpaid child support even after the current support obligation terminates, using the same enforcement tools available for current support including wage garnishment, tax intercepts, and license suspension.
Michigan courts distinguish between current support and arrearages. When a child turns 18 (or 19.5 if post-majority support was ordered), the current monthly obligation stops, but any accumulated past-due balance remains. Interest may accrue on arrearages at the statutory rate. The paying parent cannot petition to have arrearages forgiven simply because the child has aged out of support eligibility.
The FOC may establish a payment plan for arrearages that differs from the original monthly support amount. Parents with substantial arrearages should proactively contact their FOC office to negotiate a reasonable payment schedule rather than waiting for enforcement actions. Federal law requires states to report child support arrearages exceeding $2,500 to the U.S. State Department, which can deny or revoke passport applications.
In limited circumstances, parties may agree to a satisfaction of arrearages if the custodial parent consents. However, the FOC and the court must approve any such agreement. The custodial parent cannot unilaterally waive arrearages owed because the State of Michigan has an independent interest in ensuring child support obligations are fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does child support end in Michigan?
Child support in Michigan ends at age 18 under MCL 552.605b. Courts may extend support to age 19 years and 6 months only if the child is attending high school full-time with a reasonable expectation of graduating. The support order must specify the last day of the termination month. No Michigan court can order support beyond age 19.5 under any circumstances.
Can child support be extended for college in Michigan?
Michigan does not allow courts to order child support for college expenses. Post-majority support under MCL 552.605b is limited to high school completion only. Parents may voluntarily agree to share college costs in their divorce settlement, but courts cannot compel college contributions through child support orders, unlike states such as Illinois or New Jersey.
How do I stop child support payments when my child turns 18 in Michigan?
Child support should terminate automatically on the date specified in your court order, typically the last day of the month your child turns 18. Contact your local Friend of the Court office to confirm the termination date. Do not stop payments unilaterally without FOC confirmation, as unauthorized cessation can result in contempt charges, wage garnishment, or license suspension.
What is the Michigan child support formula for 2025-2026?
Michigan uses the Income Shares Model under the 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), effective January 1, 2025. The formula combines both parents' net incomes and assigns proportional responsibility. Key 2025 changes include removing the 10%-to-90% income cap, reducing the ordinary medical threshold from $454 to $200 per child per year, and extending the childcare age limit from 12 to 13.
Can a child be emancipated before 18 to end child support in Michigan?
A minor can petition for emancipation under MCL 722.4 by demonstrating financial self-sufficiency, proof of employment, and stable housing. However, emancipation does not automatically terminate child support. The paying parent must file a separate motion to end the support order. Courts require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, and the minor bears the burden of proof.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Michigan?
The filing fee for divorce with minor children in Michigan is $255, comprising a $150 base fee, $25 e-filing fee, and $80 Friend of the Court custody fee. Divorce without children costs $175 ($150 base + $25 e-filing). Motion filing fees are $20 each. Fee waivers are available through Michigan Court Form MC 20 for those who cannot afford to pay. As of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
What happens to unpaid child support after my child turns 18 in Michigan?
Child support arrearages in Michigan survive past the child's 18th birthday and remain enforceable until paid in full. The Friend of the Court continues collection using wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and passport denial for balances exceeding $2,500. Interest may accrue on unpaid amounts. Parents cannot petition to have arrearages dismissed simply because the child reached adulthood.
How do I modify child support in Michigan?
Either parent can file a motion to modify child support under MCL 552.517 by showing a substantial change in circumstances such as job loss, income change, or altered parenting time. The motion filing fee is $20. The Friend of the Court also reviews orders periodically and must petition for modification when the projected amount differs from the current order beyond the minimum threshold. Modifications typically take 2 to 4 months.
Does the Friend of the Court automatically end child support at 18?
The Friend of the Court processes the termination based on the specific end date stated in the court order. If the order specifies the last day of the month when the child turns 18, support should stop automatically through MiSDU. However, parents should verify with their local FOC office 30 to 60 days before the termination date to ensure income withholding orders are updated with the employer.
Can Michigan child support orders be enforced across state lines?
Yes. Michigan enforces out-of-state child support orders under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), codified in Michigan at MCL 552.2101 through MCL 552.2903. The FOC can register foreign support orders and enforce them using the same tools available for Michigan orders. Federal law also provides enforcement mechanisms including the Federal Parent Locator Service and interstate wage withholding.