Child Support: How Old Is Too Old To Receive Payments?
In child support cases, paying for support is one of the most hotly contested issues. If the court has ordered you to pay child support, it can be a substantial burden. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the age of the children being supported can differ substantially. However, in Michigan, there is a limit to when children or dependents are eligible to receive child support payments. Michigan courts consider several factors when determining when to end child support, applied on a case-by-case basis depending on the available facts. This article will discuss how Michigan courts determine the age limits for child support payments and how applying those limits can affect you.
Experienced Family Law Representation In Michigan
Even without considering child support payments, family law cases can be challenging. These cases often involve sensitive issues like personal assets, intimate details from a marriage, or even custody of children. Because these issues are so important and so much can be lost, the stakes in family law cases are high. When involved in a family law case, it is crucial that you present the best case possible to avoid potentially grave consequences. In instances where knowledge and precision are necessary, have an experienced family law attorney on your side. An experienced family law attorney understands the procedures involved with your case and the tactics used by the opposing counsel to threaten your chances of success. Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy has extensive experience in family law matters and are ready to fight for you. To learn more or schedule your free initial case consultation, call us at (231) 577-1580 or visit our website today.
Child Support Calculation Factors
To calculate child support amounts, the Michigan courts use a method known as the uniform child support order, or USCO. The USCO consists of several factors that the courts consider when determining how much an individual will pay for child support. In each child support case, the judge must make this determination based on the USCO. The only time this analysis is not used is when the ruling would not be appropriate or fair. The factors in the USCO include:
- Custody and parenting schedule arrangements
- Each parent’s income and earnings
- The number of children in question
- Medical care and treatment costs
- Typical childcare costs
While there are more factors that the court can consider, these represent some of the most common. In some cases, the parents involved in the child support case may make child support arrangements independent of the judge’s ruling. If they wish to do this, the parents must complete the Uniform Child Support Deviation Addendum form. In these cases, the judge will often consider these arrangements when preparing the order, but they are not required to accept those terms.
Age Limits On Child Support Calculations
In most cases, courts consider the age limit for child support to be 18 years old, when children are considered adults. However, the limit is not completely firm. When making child support determinations, the court considers several other factors which affect the age limit at which the child stops receiving support payments. These determinations are affected by changes in circumstances. Either parent in a child support case can file a motion to change a support arrangement on the grounds of changed circumstances. Some of these circumstances include:
- Loss of income
- Changes in income amounts
- One parent changes vocation
- A partner or new spouse passes away
- One parent gains new income
- A change in custody arrangements
While these are only some of the factors that the court considers when evaluating a changed circumstances motion, these are some of the most commonly cited. These changes, including circumstances with the particular child, can modify the end age to receive child support payments. In some child support cases in Michigan, the court has allowed payments to children as old as 19 and a half.
Child Support Age Limits And How They Can Affect Your Case
Age limits and the factors controlling child support determinations affect both parties in a child support case. Depending on how the court rules, this determination can lengthen or shorten the duration and amount of child support payments for the parties. This could be beneficial or detrimental to the payer, as these factors affect how much they must pay and for how long. On the other hand, the party receiving the payments is similarly affected by the amount and duration that is ordered to be paid.
Hiring An Experienced Family Law Attorney In Michigan
Those involved in family law cases often stand to lose a great deal. Depending on the case, your way of life, your property, or even custody of your children could be affected, should you lose. With such serious consequences, it is vital to present the best case possible to increase your chances of success. Hiring an experienced family law attorney is one of the most critical steps that you can take to protect your rights and interests in your case. An experienced family law attorney knows the process to help you navigate the procedures and tactics to ensure the best outcome for you. Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy understands the family law processes and fight for you. To learn more or schedule your free initial case consultation, call us at (231) 577-1580 or visit us at our website.
