Child support and spousal support are two important but distinct concepts in family law.
Child support is the legal obligation one parent may have to financially support their children. In Michigan, child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual. The formula considers several factors, including each parent’s income and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent. In some cases, parents may agree to deviate from the amount calculated under the formula, but any deviation must be approved by the court.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial support paid by one former spouse to the other. While income is a key factor, the court considers a broader range of circumstances when determining spousal support. These may include each party’s health, earning ability, length of the marriage, and conduct during the marriage. Because of these factors, spousal support is often more negotiable than child support.
The two types of support are related. If one party pays spousal support, that payment can affect the calculation of child support because it changes the amount of income available to each party.
If you have questions about child support, spousal support, or any other family law matter, Clarkston Legal is here to help.
