There are three types of reviews/modifications; a statutory review otherwise known as a 3 year review, filing a motion based on a change of circumstances, or upon the direction of the Department of Human Services or the Court.

Parties are allowed a statutory review once every three years without cost. This is an administrative process. After the Friend of the Court Investigator receives the request, inquiries are sent to both parties requesting income verification and completion of the case questionnaire. Upon return of the required information the investigator reviews child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula. A recommendation is sent to both parties for review. The recommendation allows for a 21 day objection period. If no objection is received, the recommendation becomes the order of the court. If an objection is received, the matter is set for hearing before the referee. The parties should bring all evidence, testimony and witnesses to support their motion/objection. The referee will then hear arguments and make a recommended order to the court. If the party filing the motion does not provide the requested information or fails to appear at the hearing, their motion will be dismissed. If the responding party fails to provide verification of income the investigator will impute income to them and continue the review process. If the responding party fails to appear at the hearing a recommended order will be entered without their input.

The State of Michigan is required to notify parties when their case becomes eligible for a child support review, which is once every three years. The eligibility notices are not necessarily in accordance with the last support review and may not entitle you to a statutory review.

Pro Per motions can be requested any time a change of circumstances has occurred that would affect child support. Pro per motions are set for hearing before the Referee and are not administrative. After the Friend of the Court Investigator receives the motion, inquiries are sent to both parties requesting income verification and completion of the case questionnaire. Upon return of the required information, the investigator reviews support using the Michigan Child Support Formula. The parties are sent a copy of the support recommendation prior to the hearing. The parties should bring all evidence, testimony and witnesses to support their motion/objection. The referee will then hear arguments and make a recommended order to the court. If the party filing the motion does not provide the requested information or fails to appear at the hearing, their motion will be dismissed. If the responding party fails to provide verification of income the investigator will impute income to them and continue the review process. If the responding party fails to appear at the hearing a recommended order will be entered without their input.

Click here for Instructions on Changing a Child Support Order

-Child Support Questionaire
-Motion to Modify Child Support and Notice of Hearing

Page Last Modified: August 20, 2007 at 1:54 pm