What to Know About the Changes to the Michigan Child Support Formula in 2025
The new child support formula went into effect on January 1, 2025. In Michigan, courts must follow the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF) when determining how much financial support each parent must contribute towards the raising of their children. The child support formula is very specific regarding how child support should be calculated and takes into consideration factors such as each parent’s income, how many overnights each parent has with the child/children, how many children the parties have in common, how many other children each parent financially supports, the amount of health care premiums and the amount of childcare.
Ultimately,
The calculation of child support can be complicated.
The latest child support formula was developed in 2021, and this 2025 version provides approximately 21 changes and clarifications – and some of those changes provide exceptions. Combining these changes and exceptions with the already complicated formula, it is not feasible to address every scenario and how each change might impact Michigan families; however, we will discuss a few examples below.
The child support formula has always outlined when courts are allowed to deviate from the standard formula. These are called “deviation factors” and include factors such as the child having special needs or having extraordinary educational expenses. The updated 2025 formula provides that the court is not required to deviate when a deviation factor exists – giving the court discretion in this regard. The updated formula also clarified that the deviation factors listed in the formula are not an exhaustive list. Lastly, it removed some deviation factors and brought clarity to others.
Two fairly big changes in the 2025 formula pertain to the issues of childcare and ordinary medical expenses. The 2025 formula changed the presumed age that a child no longer needs childcare from 12 until the last day of the month in which the child turns 13. The ordinary medical expenses changes from $454 per child annually to $200 per child annually. This means that the parent who receives child support must pay the first $200 of medical expenses out of pocket (per child), and any additional expenses are considered extraordinary medical expenses which costs must be shared between the parents.
Ultimately, the calculation of child support can be complicated; especially, when one or both parents provide an unusual fact pattern, such as self-employment or an unusual parenting time arrangement. Remember that child support can be amended if proper cause exists, upon a change in circumstances, or once every three years by statute.
Be sure to download the 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual.
If you have questions regarding child support, please contact Attorney Anne Tuinstra.