You can enforce unpaid child support in Michigan through the Friend of the Court and, if needed, through a court hearing. The best path often depends on how much is overdue and whether earlier collection efforts have worked.
The Friend of the Court handles many payment issues first
The Friend of the Court tracks support payments and helps collect past-due amounts. If support falls behind, you can ask for enforcement through tools described in the state’s child support enforcement process. Common enforcement tools include:
- Income withholding
- Tax refund intercepts
- Property liens
- Credit reporting
These steps often resolve missed payments without a hearing. They can also create a record showing how long the support has been overdue and what collection efforts have already been tried.
What happens if routine enforcement does not work?
If those efforts fail, you can ask the Friend of the Court to seek stronger court enforcement or a family law attorney can ask the court to step in. A motion for an order to show cause can require the other parent to appear before the judge and explain why they did not make the required payments.
Records matter at that stage. You should gather payment histories, account statements and notices showing the amount owed. Keeping those records organized can also help in related support payment and enforcement disputes that move into court.
Courts can impose penalties for willful nonpayment
At the hearing, the judge will usually examine whether the missed payments were willful or the result of real financial hardship. If the court finds a willful violation, it can suspend driver or professional licenses, place liens on assets, require payment of the amount owed or, in serious cases, hold the parent in contempt.
Unpaid support does not go away, and delay can make the balance harder to recover. A Michigan family law attorney can review your payment history, help you choose the most effective enforcement option and prepare you for the next court step.