Family Law • Document Preparation
Michigan Child Support Motion Assistance
Filing support for Michigan parents preparing motions to establish, modify, or enforce child support through Friend of the Court.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Most motions prepared in 2–4 business days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
How Michigan Child Support Motion Help works in Michigan
Most Michigan child support motions are filed in the Circuit Court Family Division using FOC-series forms. The Friend of the Court typically conducts a referee hearing first.
- 1
Intake
We collect both parents' income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and existing order details.
- 2
Motion drafting
We prepare FOC 50 Motion Regarding Support and proposed Uniform Child Support Order (FOC 39).
- 3
Notice & service
We prepare the Notice of Hearing and Proof of Service.
- 4
Referee hearing
Many counties refer motions to a FOC referee before reaching a judge.
- 5
Final order
Judge enters revised UCSO; FOC updates collection records.
Common forms used for michigan child support motion help
Child support motions use FOC-series Friend of the Court forms.
| Form # | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| FOC 50 | Motion Regarding Support | Initiates a support modification or enforcement motion. |
| FOC 39 | Uniform Child Support Order | The order entered after the motion. |
| FOC 51 | Response to Motion Regarding Support | Used to respond when served. |
| MC 12 | Income Withholding Order | Used to withhold support directly from wages. |
Form numbers and revisions change. Always confirm with your local court before filing. We help organize and complete the right packet based on the information you provide.
Where to file
File in the Family Division of the Circuit Court that entered the original support order.
Typical filing fee
$20 motion fee; Income Withholding Order has no fee.
Service of process basics
Motion must be served on the other parent at least 9 days before hearing (14 days by mail).
What trips people up
- Asking for modification without a 'change in circumstances' showing.
- Forgetting to include current income documentation.
- Misapplying the Michigan Child Support Formula assumptions.
- Missing the FOC referee hearing.
- Trying to retroactively change support beyond the date of motion filing.
What to expect, week by week
- Week 1
Motion drafting
FOC 50 prepared in 2–4 business days.
- Week 2
File & serve
Motion filed; other parent served.
- Weeks 4–8
FOC referee hearing
Many counties hold a referee hearing first.
- Weeks 8–12
Final order
Judge enters revised UCSO.
How Michigan Child Support Document Preparation Works in Michigan
Support motions are filed in the Family Division of the Circuit Court that entered the original order.
Typical filing fees: $20 motion fee (set by the court, not by us)
- • MCL 552.517 governs support modification and the 'change in circumstances' standard.
- • The Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF) is updated periodically by SCAO.
- • Modifications generally apply only from the date of the motion forward.
- • St. Clair County: file at the courthouse in Port Huron; small clerk staff means going early in the day usually means shorter waits.
- • Macomb County: filings are processed at the county complex in Mount Clemens; many local district courts also accept walk-ins.
- • Oakland County: the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac handles most civil and family matters; e-filing through MiFILE is required for many filings.
- • Wayne County: the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit and the 36th District Court each have separate filing windows and rules — confirm before you go.
Procedures and fees vary by county and may change. We prepare documents based on the information you provide; final filing acceptance is determined by the court.
Understanding michigan child support motion help in Michigan
Michigan support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers both parents' incomes, overnights, healthcare costs, and childcare costs.
Change in circumstances
Common qualifying changes include income changes of 10%+ or $50/month, change in parenting time, new child, healthcare cost shifts, or change in custody.
FOC review process
FOC offices typically review support every 36 months on request, even without a major life change.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Statutes, procedures, and court rules change. Clear Path Document Services prepares documents based on the information you provide and is not a law firm.
What's included in your document preparation package
Turnaround: Most motions prepared in 2–4 business days • Pricing: $249+ (court filing fees not included)
- Motion Regarding Support (FOC 50)
- Income & expense worksheet
- Proposed Uniform Child Support Order
- Notice of Hearing
- Proof of Service
- Hearing preparation checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I modify support?+
When there is a change in circumstances or a 36-month review qualifies under FOC policy.
How is support calculated?+
Michigan uses the Michigan Child Support Formula based on income, overnights, healthcare, and childcare.
Will I have to attend a hearing?+
Yes — typically a FOC referee hearing first, then a judge if either party objects.
Can the change be retroactive?+
Modifications generally apply from the date of the motion, not earlier.
What if the other parent hides income?+
Subpoenas, tax returns, and W-2 requests can be used; the court can impute income.
What about overtime or bonuses?+
Both are generally included if regular and reliable.
How do I enforce unpaid support?+
FOC enforcement tools include income withholding, license suspension, and contempt.
Does support end at 18?+
Generally yes, but can extend to graduation if the child is still in high school full-time and under 19½.
What about healthcare costs?+
Both ordinary and uninsured medical costs are addressed in the Uniform Child Support Order.
Can we agree to a support amount?+
Yes — but the court reviews to ensure it meets the Michigan Child Support Formula or includes a documented deviation.
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