Child Support - I am in the military. How can I get my child support obligation reduced?

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Question

My name is PFC E. J. Frantz. I am currently working for the United States Army and I have been in the army for about a year. I left when my daughter was born and my reasons were for her. I pay $538.00 a month and as a private in the army I don’t make much money. At the end of the month I only make about $500 a month. Is there anything I can do to have them change the payment amounts. I only have 3 bills a month and have a hard time making ends meet sometimes. If you could offer me any advice I would appreciate it.

Answer

Presuming your child support is a Michigan order, you can request a reduction in ordered support by:

1) Filing a motion with the Court. You can do this through an attorney or on your own (pro per). If you wish to do this pro per, the forms and instructions are available through the Friend of the Court (FOC) in your case jurisdiction.
2) Request a support review through the Friend of the Court in your jurisdiction.

The benefit to filing your own motion (option #1) is that a resulting court order can be retroactive to the date the motion is served on the other party. If your do a request for review through FOC, the modification can only be effective the date the order is signed by the Judge.

If you are deployed, you may request a military adjustment to your support.

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Last Updated: 9-25-07

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov