Your Trusted Child Support Lawyer in North Branch, MI
Families in North Branch, MI, and across Lapeer County who need clear guidance on child support can find experienced legal help nearby. The Law Office of Catherine Bostick has provided family law representation throughout Lapeer County since 1995. Call (810) 667-3217 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our child support lawyer in North Branch, MI.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Michigan?
Michigan uses the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), an income shares model that combines both parents' net incomes, then divides the total obligation proportionally. The calculation also factors in overnights, work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. Courts must follow the formula unless a documented deviation is warranted. A child support lawyer can review the numbers before any order is signed.
Can Child Support Be Modified in Michigan?
A support order can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change, job loss, revised parenting time, or updated childcare costs. Modification motions are filed with the Lapeer County 40th Circuit Court, which handles support matters for North Branch Township and surrounding communities including Columbiaville, Otter Lake, and Imlay City. The Lapeer County Friend of the Court investigates, makes recommendations, and enforces existing orders.
Working With a Child Support Lawyer Serving North Branch, MI
Cases in North Branch are heard at the 40th Circuit Court Family Division at 255 Clay Street in Lapeer, roughly 20 miles south via M-24. Catherine Bostick has been a member of the Lapeer County Bar Association since 1997 and has practiced in these courts for nearly three decades. That local experience means direct, practical guidance for her clients.
The Law Office of Catherine Bostick handles the full range of child support matters, including:
- Establishing initial support orders through the 40th Circuit Court.
- Reviewing and challenging Friend of the Court calculations.
- Filing modification motions when income or parenting time changes.
- Pursuing enforcement when a support order is not being followed.
- Addressing how joint custody overnights affect the support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Joint Custody Eliminate Child Support in Michigan?
Not automatically. The MCSF uses actual overnight counts, and support adjusts based on each parent's annual overnights and income. Even in shared parenting arrangements, an obligation may still apply. A child support attorney can clarify how your specific schedule affects the calculation.
What Counts as Income Under Michigan's Formula?
Michigan defines income broadly, including wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, rental income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation. Courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
What Does the Lapeer County Friend of the Court Do?
The Lapeer County Friend of the Court is part of the Family Division of the 40th Circuit Court. It investigates and issues recommendations on custody, parenting time, and support, helps parties resolve disputes, and enforces existing support orders.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
The Law Office of Catherine Bostick has served Lapeer County families since 1995. If you need a child support lawyer in North Branch, MI, call us or visit The Law Office of Catherine Bostick to get started.
