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1. The other party and I are in agreement regarding child support, parenting time and custody, and do not wish to use the Friend of the Court. Do we have to utilize the Friend of the Court Service?

No, you may choose to opt out of our services. Parties who “opt out” must assume all responsibility for administering and enforcing the court’s orders. Even after a Friend of the Court (FOC) case is opened, parties may choose to “opt out” by filing the proper motion with the county clerk’s office. There are several circumstances that may prevent parties from opting out, for these situations refer to the Jackson County Friend of the Court handbook (PDF).

2. How do I get a child support case started?

You can start a support and/or paternity case, free of charge, by contacting the Office of Child Support at 866-540-0008. They will assist you and guide you in what you need to do. You can also file a complaint that includes a request that the court enter a child support order with the county clerk’s office. You can do this on your own (in pro-per) or through an attorney.

3. The non-custodial parent is not paying support as ordered. Can I withhold parenting time?

No. You must follow the parenting time order. These are 2 separate issues.

4. I pay child support and an amount toward ordinary medical each week. Why should I have to pay for annual ordinary medical through my employer?

The money withheld from your pay check is in addition to child support, it is for ordinary health care expenses. Ordinary health care expense include insurance co-payments, deductibles and other qualified uninsured health care expenses. Ordinary health care expenses are in addition to providing child support and health care coverage.

5. My support is the same as it was when I divorced years ago. What can I do to have my support reviewed?

The Friend of the Court (FOC) will review child support orders once every 36 months upon written request from 1 of the parties. The support review process can take between 4-6 months to complete. If you need an immediate review in the support amount due to a change in your income or the other parent’s income you should file a Motion Regarding Support.

6. Can I continue receiving support if my child goes to college?

No. Child support can continue up to age 19 ½ if the child attends high school on a full-time basis with a reasonable expectation of completing credits to graduate and the child continues to reside with the person who receives the support payments. If the child has graduated, support ends on the child’s 18th birthday.

7. My court order says to pay support through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit. May I pay the other parent directly?

No, not unless your order specifically allows direct payments. If it does not, you might not receive credit for payments made directly to the other parent.

8. If I am receiving TANF or Department of Human Services public assistance, may I also receive child support?

No. The Michigan State Disbursement Unit must send any support payments that it receives from the other parent to the Department of Human Services to offset the public assistance that you receive from the Department of Human Services.