Navigate Your Child Support Journey with an Ann Arbor Child Support Attorney

Child Support Lawyers Ann Arbor & Tecumseh

Child support disputes can feel overwhelming—emotionally, financially, and legally.

At Stimpson & Associates, we understand how important these cases are to your family’s future. As trusted Ann Arbor Child Support Attorneys, we’re here to provide the personalized attention, clear guidance, and strong representation you need to prioritize your child’s best interests in every legal decision.

With deep expertise in Michigan Family Law, we focus on helping you navigate the legal system with confidence, aiming to minimize stress and uncertainty along the way. We believe that informed clients make the best choices for their families. That’s why we explain child support obligations in plain, straightforward language, building a partnership that empowers you every step of the way.

Whether you’re navigating the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), seeking modifications, or requiring enforcement measures, our team is committed to protecting your rights and supporting your child’s well-being.

Understanding Child Support in Michigan: A Michigan Family Law Perspective

Empowering You with Knowledge

Child support in Michigan is guided by MCL 552.605, which requires the use of the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF). Recent updates, such as the Michigan Family Protection Act signed in April 2024, have added new protections to ensure fair support for children in different family situations. Together, these laws and judicial considerations determine the financial support needed to provide children with stability and cover their essential needs.

In most cases, child support ends when a child turns 18. However, it may continue until age 19½ if the child is a full-time high school student, lives with the support recipient, and is expected to graduate by that age. Some parents also choose to create agreements beyond these requirements—for example, to cover college expenses or other long-term needs.

Whether you’re seeking child support as part of a divorce or as a separate legal matter, Stimpson & Associates can guide you through the process. We’ll help you understand the legal requirements, organize the necessary documents, and present a strong case to the court.

Recent Updates – 2025 MCSF Changes (Effective January 1, 2025)

Beginning in 2025, Michigan’s child support guidelines will incorporate several notable revisions:

  • Lower Medical Expense Threshold: Ordinary medical expenses will decrease to $200 per child annually.
  • Adjusted Childcare Age Limits: The ages at which childcare expenses can be considered will shift to reflect current childcare norms.
  • Revised Business Profit Calculations: Courts will follow new methods for determining business-related income and depreciation.
  • Expanded Deviation Factors: Additional circumstances will allow judges to deviate from the standard formula when justified. 

At Stimpson & Associates, we monitor these developments closely to ensure your child support arrangement accurately reflects the latest guidelines in Michigan Family Law.

Discuss Your Child Support Case with Our Team

How Child Support is Calculated Under Michigan Family Law

Expert Guidance on Fair Calculations

Calculating child support in Michigan takes many factors into account:

  • Net Income: Includes wages, bonuses, pensions, and non-traditional sources like rental income.
  • Parenting Time: Overnight stays significantly impact calculations.
  • Childcare & Healthcare Costs: Verified and extraordinary expenses influence the final amount.
  • Imputed Income: Courts may assign income to voluntarily underemployed parents.

While the formula provides a structured approach, adjustments may be necessary in special circumstances—for instance, when one parent’s income significantly exceeds standard thresholds or when a child has exceptional medical or educational needs. At Stimpson & Associates, we work to ensure the court receives an accurate representation of your financial situation, supporting a fair and realistic outcome.

Courts sometimes review up to three years of financial history to address irregular income. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, they may be assigned “imputed income” that reflects their potential earning capacity. Partnering with an experienced Ann Arbor Child Support Attorney ensures every relevant detail is presented clearly and persuasively.

Ensure Accurate Child Support Calculations

Modifying and Enforcing Child Support Orders in Michigan

Adapting to Life’s Changes with Confidence

Life changes, such as shifts in employment, health, or family circumstances, may require a review of your child support order. In Michigan, modifications generally call for a “substantial change in circumstances,” like a significant income change or a child’s evolving needs. Parents can also request a Friend of the Court review every three years, even without major alterations. At Stimpson & Associates, we help you determine whether you qualify for a modification and will advocate for an updated order that reflects your current situation.

When child support payments go unpaid, enforcement ensures a child’s financial stability remains protected. Michigan courts use several enforcement tools to address delinquent payments:

  • Income Withholding: Court-ordered wage deductions.
  • License Suspension: Includes driving and professional licenses.
  • Property Liens & Tax Interceptions: Secure arrears payments.
  • Contempt Proceedings: May lead to fines or jail time.

Whether you need to enforce an order or defend against unjust claims, our firm’s proactive legal strategies help secure your rights and maintain your child’s well-being.

Why Choose Stimpson & Associates as Your Ann Arbor Child Support Attorney

Your Trusted Partner in Michigan Family Law

At Stimpson & Associates, we bring the experience, client focus, and compassionate representation families need to navigate child support matters with confidence. Serving parents across Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties—including Ann Arbor, Tecumseh, and beyond—we understand the intricacies of local court procedures and tailor our approach to fit your unique needs.

Our team has successfully handled a variety of cases, from high-net-worth support disputes to multi-jurisdictional challenges. Whether you’re negotiating a fair support amount, enforcing overdue payments, or pursuing an out-of-court resolution to reduce conflict, we focus on achieving the best outcome for your family.

We prioritize trust, open communication, and client success, delivering outcomes that protect your child’s well-being while minimizing conflict.

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Our Unique Advantages in Michigan Family Law

Families trust Stimpson & Associates for our meticulous legal strategies and heartfelt commitment to their well-being. We understand that child support issues impact many aspects of family life, and we approach these challenges with both skill and sensitivity.

Every family’s situation is unique, but we often help clients negotiate child support arrangements without the need for prolonged litigation. Our attorneys are skilled in mediation and collaborative law, offering solutions that reduce conflict and foster cooperation. For high-net-worth cases, we ensure that children receive the appropriate level of support based on the family’s financial situation. When dealing with interstate matters, we use our expertise in cross-border agreements to simplify the process. We also assist with special needs cases, helping families navigate formula deviations to account for significant medical, educational, or therapeutic costs.

When you choose Stimpson & Associates, you’re backed by a proven record of success. Whether your case involves traditional child support, complex modifications, or enforcement actions, we’re here to advocate for a solution that prioritizes your child’s well-being while respecting each parent’s circumstances.

Set of five stars in a burnt orange color

Hear From Our Satisfied Clients

My wife and I worked with Jessica Kelly to rewrite and update our estate documents. Jessica was thoughtful, caring, articulate and professional and showed a thorough understanding of issues we faced. She worked carefully and patiently with us to produce a document that we feel will serve us well. Without reservation, we would recommend her services to others.

Lee Burton

Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy and Stimpson Law helped us every step of the way. They were understanding, caring, and showed compassion while handling our legal matters. We are so appreciative of the entire office and highly recommend them.

Kacey Prichard

Mr. Stimpson and his colleagues were so kind and very polite and helpful, when I was going through my divorce. They took the time and patience to explain everything in detail to my understanding. I would refer Stimpson & Associates to anyone who needs lawyer services.

Christina Persiani

I wish I could give Stimpson and his team more than five stars! Stimpson was my attorney for a drawn-out and emotional case. He kept me level-headed, focused, and most importantly, prepared. I genuinely appreciate his advice, his honesty, and his straightforward attitude. My fight was his fight and that was evident in the courtroom. Stimpson was worth every single penny! A BIG thank you to him and his team!

Amanda Wines

Take the First Step Towards Securing Your Child’s Future

Navigating child support on your own can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected changes or conflicts arise that impact your child’s financial stability. At Stimpson & Associates, we’re here to support you every step of the way. As trusted Ann Arbor Child Support Attorneys, we are dedicated to protecting your child’s well-being while working toward peaceful resolutions whenever possible under Michigan Family Law.

We invite you to schedule a consultation and see how personalized legal guidance can make a difference. With skilled representation, you can protect your rights and ensure a brighter future for your child.

Contact Information & Next Steps

We look forward to discussing how we can assist with your child support concerns. To schedule your consultation or learn more about our services, call us at our Ann Arbor Office: (734) 707-9455, Tecumseh Office: (517) 423-0999 or email info@stimpsonlaw.com.