How to change child support in Michigan

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. Either parent can ask the Friend of the Court in writing for a review; the office does not have to act on more than one request from a parent every 36 months, but it also reviews when there are reasonable grounds such as changed income, custody or health coverage.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Motion Regarding Support (FOC 50)

When Michigan allows a change

Either parent can ask the Friend of the Court in writing for a review; the office does not have to act on more than one request from a parent every 36 months, but it also reviews when there are reasonable grounds such as changed income, custody or health coverage. After a review, the Friend of the Court must ask the court to change the order if the new amount differs from the current order by more than 10% or $50 a month, whichever is greater. You can also file your own motion at any time.

Law: MCL 552.517; 2025 MCSF §4.05; MCL 552.517; 2025 MCSF §4.05

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Michigan's rule: Either parent can ask the Friend of the Court in writing for a review; the office does not have to act on more than one request from a parent every 36 months, but it also reviews when there are reasonable grounds such as changed income, custody or health coverage. After a review, the Friend of the Court must ask the court to change the order if the new amount differs from the current order by more than 10% or $50 a month, whichever is greater. You can also file your own motion at any time.

Law: MCL 552.517; 2025 MCSF §4.05; MCL 552.517; 2025 MCSF §4.05

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Michigan: Request a Friend of the Court review, or file a Motion Regarding Support (FOC 50) with the circuit court. If you both agree, file the motion with a Uniform Child Support Order (FOC 10), plus a Support Deviation Addendum (FOC 10d) if the amount differs from the formula.

How a change is made in Michigan

Request a Friend of the Court review, or file a Motion Regarding Support (FOC 50) with the circuit court. If you both agree, file the motion with a Uniform Child Support Order (FOC 10), plus a Support Deviation Addendum (FOC 10d) if the amount differs from the formula.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

What changed in 2024–2026 in Michigan

The 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula took effect January 1, 2025. Changes include sharing expenses by each parent's actual share of income (removing the 10% minimum and 90% maximum), a deduction for costs related to a parent's conviction or incarceration, child care presumed until the month the child turns 13, and a clarified 10%-or-$50 threshold for modification.

Incarceration and changes

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Steps to change support in Michigan

  1. Read your current order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    Michigan's rule: Either parent can ask the Friend of the Court in writing for a review; the office does not have to act on more than one request from a parent every 36 months, but it also reviews when there are reasonable grounds such as changed income, custody or health coverage.

  3. Collect papers

    Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.

  4. Send your request

    Ask for a review with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Office of Child Support · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: Michigan Legal Help (legal aid guides and referrals).

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about changing support in Michigan

What counts as a reason to change support in Michigan?

Either parent can ask the Friend of the Court in writing for a review; the office does not have to act on more than one request from a parent every 36 months, but it also reviews when there are reasonable grounds such as changed income, custody or health coverage. After a review, the Friend of the Court must ask the court to change the order if the new amount differs from the current order by more than 10% or $50 a month, whichever is greater. You can also file your own motion at any time.

How do I request a review in Michigan?

Request a Friend of the Court review, or file a Motion Regarding Support (FOC 50) with the circuit court. If you both agree, file the motion with a Uniform Child Support Order (FOC 10), plus a Support Deviation Addendum (FOC 10d) if the amount differs from the formula.

Related Michigan pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources