In our state, both the courts and state house believe that both parents are needed for every child. They need the financial and emotional support from them, and they want parents to work together to provide that support. To that end, the state enforces the on-time payment of child support payments to ensure that Michigan children reach their full potential. And, in our state, four state organizations enforce child support orders issued by local courts.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
The first state agency that enforces child support is the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support. This is the agency that handles state public assistance, and it is where you can start a child support case after the state family law judge issues the child support order.
Prosecuting Attorney
If your spouse has not complied with the child support order, you may need to work with your local Prosecuting Attorney. You can work with your Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, divorce attorney, who can work directly with your local Prosecuting Attorney to enforce the child support order in court.
Michigan State Disbursement Unit
You will not receive the child support payments from your spouse. Instead, you will receive those payments through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit. MSDU receives the payments, and then sends them to you. If you are having issues with payments, contact them directly, especially if your ex-spouse claims they are paying.
Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court is a person that works for the family court that monitors the court orders. These people answer parents’ questions, and they can help if there are changes in either parent’s life. However, to make sure your interests are protected, you should speak with them through your Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, divorce attorney.