Michigan Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Michigan — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Michigan
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Michigan courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
Create your parenting plan with guidance
Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Michigan court requirements.
Child Support in Michigan
Michigan uses the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF), an income shares model that considers both parents' incomes, number of overnights, health care costs, child care costs, and other factors. The formula is updated periodically by the Michigan Supreme Court. The Friend of the Court calculates and recommends child support amounts; deviations from the formula require specific findings by the judge.
Official Michigan child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| MC 416 | UCCJEA Affidavit (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction) |
| FOC 100 | Domestic Relations Judgment Information |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Michigan requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Most Michigan counties require a parenting education course (commonly called SMILE -- 'Start Making It Livable for Everyone' -- or COPE) when minor children are involved. Available in-person or online. Must be completed before the final hearing.
Typical cost: $50
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Michigan forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.