Because the formula is mandatory, there is very little room for negotiation in determining child support payments. However, as with most formulas and software, the outcome is determined by the information that is input.
On rare occasions, child support can be waived by filling out a Deviation Addendum. Reasons to deviate can vary, however, they must be approved by the local Friend of the Court and Prosecuting Attorney.
The good news is yes, child support arrears can potentially be forgiven. You would need to have a joint petition filed along with the other parent though, showing that you are both in mutual agreement and jointly requesting that the arrears be waived or forgiven.
There are two ways you can ask to have arrears discharged (canceled). You can fill out the Request to Discharge State-Owed Debt form asking the Friend of the Court (FOC) to discharge support debt you owe to the State of Michigan only.
You can contact the Attorney General's office to ask that the adverse reporting be removed. If there are arrears showing in your credit, you might ask the other parent to release the arrears so that the OAG's records show that you are current in your payments.
The good news is yes, child support arrears can potentially be forgiven. You would need to have a joint petition filed along with the other parent though, showing that you are both in mutual agreement and jointly requesting that the arrears be waived or forgiven.