The amount that a parent pays or receives varies from state to state.
Support is determined by income, and family size.
Many states, including Michigan, have developed formulas and guidelines to make the amount of support more predictable. The State of Michigan provides a manual to determine the amount of support to be paid. The formula is based on the actual needs of the child and the resources of the parents. The formula includes child care and health care obligations. The formula is used by the Friend of the Court when determining support.