State and federal law require that a child support formula be used in making recommendations and orders for child support amounts. FOC and Judges may deviate from using the guideline if they determine that use of the guideline would result in an unjust or inappropriate order. Reasons for deviation must be set forth in a report and recommendation by the FOC and on the record or in writing by the court.

In Michigan, a child support formula has been developed which considers both the non-custodial and custodial parent's income.

For more information about the child support guideline currently in use, see "Facts about the Michigan Child Support Formula" (PSA 24). The formula, and the Guidelin computer program for calculating support, may be found on the Michigan Supreme court's web page:

http://www.courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/focb/mcsf.htm

To obtain a soft bound book of the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual, you can order the book, Michigan Child Support Formula Manual, 2004 ed. ISBN: 0-314-10825-4 for approximately $20.