Ann Arbor Legal Services
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Child Support
Child support is defined as the payment of money ordered by the Circuit Court for the support of a child.
Child support is modifiable on the same basis as alimony (i.e. change of circumstances). This support is usually ordered until the minor reaches the age of 18 years, or graduates from high school, so long as the minor child regularly attends high school on a full-time basis with a reasonable expectation of completing sufficient credits to graduate from high school while residing on a full time basis with the payee of support or at an institution, but in no case after the child reaches nineteen years and six months of age, or until further order of the Court. Enforcement of payments is instituted by an Order to Show Cause.
Child support is based mainly on the child's needs (in conformity with the lifestyle of the parties), and the ability to pay. Non-payment of court ordered support may lead to a contempt of court citation, resulting in a jail term.