Michigan State law. MCL 205.13(4).

Only Permanently Assigned Child Support Arrears or Foster Care arrears owed to the State.  Michigan Department of Community Health has not agreed to waive medical arrears nor confinement arrears.

In certain situations where extreme hardship exists, reduction of uncollectible debt may allow the State, and the Friend of the Court to focus their resources on collectible debt.

You must demonstrate that you currently have an extreme difficulty in paying the arrears that currently exist and that you have not intentionally avoided payment of your obligation in the past. Be prepared to submit documentation to support any/all claims. If your history reflects that you have failed to cooperate with, and/or kept our office updated; failed to appear; hid income/assets; etc. that will be considered as intentional avoidance of your obligation.

Not if your cases are all in the same county. If you have cases in different counties, you must apply separately in each county.

Your ability or inability to work and pay, your assets, your current or projected employment, your age/life expectancy, your health status, your past/current incarceration status, your location, your public assistance history, your eligibility for VA or SSA benefits, whether or not your current or past order for support was based upon ability to earn vs. actual wage information, whether or not you were historically compliant with your order, whether or not you hid assets or income, failed to timely report income, address or asset information, your participation in job programs when available, whether you provided non-monetary support to the child on an ongoing basis, whether you appeared at hearings and appointments, whether you provided information when requested, whether you currently reside with the custodial parent or have married,  whether the children are in your home/custody, as well as other potential factors.

You may be required to submit evidence to support the information you provided. Be prepared to provide proof of any/all information you provide to the Friend of the Court. We may also contact you to verify information submitted or to obtain information not provided.

If you have $1000 or more that you can pay, you may qualify for a lump sum program where the state will agree to forgive an equal amount of any state arrears with each payment of $1000 or more.  If you do not have $1000 or more to offer, and if all of the arrears are owed to the state in all of your cases, you may file a motion with the court seeking a payment plan in exchange for dismissal of state arrears.

No. Only payments that are voluntary will be considered if you are approved for the lump sum program.

We do not know how many people will request to participate in the program, but will complete the evaluations as soon as possible.

YES. Until such time as it is determined your arrears may be forgiven, you are still court ordered to comply.

The Friend of the Court may contact people whose cases have been identified with a potentially qualifying factor. Other agencies that interact with people who owe child support may also refer them to the Friend of the Court.

You may contact our office to discuss your situation.  We can discuss bond modification or how to turn yourself in on your warrant.

Contact the Friend of the Court by mail or in person at 161 E. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014 or call (269) 969-6500 to request information.