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.
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.
Once again, parents in Michigan cannot agree to waive child support, even by agreement. As such, in order to stop paying child support, a parent must demonstrate that there has been a significant and material change in circumstances since the previous child support order was entered into.
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.
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.
Even if a parent doesn't have primary physical custody of a child, they are still required to contribute to the support of that child even if the custodial parent has sufficient income to meet the needs of the child without financial assistance.
In Michigan, child support obligations normally last until the child turns 18 years old, but can continue up until the age of 19 and a half if the child is still in high school and lives full-time with the parent that gets child support.
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.