[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/child-support-for-special-needs-children\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/child-support-for-special-needs-children\/","headline":"Child Support for Special Needs Children","name":"Child Support for Special Needs Children","description":"Divorce With a Special Needs Child When parents of a special needs child separate or divorce,\u00a0child support\u00a0can be a complex issue. The cost of caring for a child with special needs is often higher than for a child with no disabilities due to medical expenses, therapy, specialized equipment, and other related costs. In Michigan, child […]","datePublished":"2023-03-28","dateModified":"2025-09-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/#Person","name":"James Kraayeveld","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/","identifier":29,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cta-image-attorneys.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cta-image-attorneys.jpg","width":454,"height":599},"url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/child-support-for-special-needs-children\/","about":["Child Support"],"wordCount":564,"articleBody":"Divorce With a Special Needs ChildWhen parents of a special needs child separate or divorce,\u00a0child support\u00a0can be a complex issue. The cost of caring for a child with special needs is often higher than for a child with no disabilities due to medical expenses, therapy, specialized equipment, and other related costs. In Michigan, child support is determined based on the Michigan Child Support Formula, but there are some additional considerations that are taken into account when calculating support for a special needs child.Child Support Calculations for a Special Needs ChildThe Michigan\u00a0Child Support\u00a0Formula takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and other factors such as health care expenses and child care costs. However, when a child has special needs, additional expenses related to the child\u2019s disability may be included in the child support order.Can a Parent Be Required to Pay More in Child Support for a Child With Disability?Michigan law allows for an upward deviation from the standard child support formula if a child has special needs.\u00a0Some of the factors that the court may consider:The child\u2019s special needs and the associated costs of careThe child\u2019s medical or educational needsThe child\u2019s need for specialized equipment or accommodationsThe availability of public or private resources to meet the child\u2019s special needsThe income and assets of the parties involvedAny other factor considered relevant by the court.This means that if the cost of caring for a special needs child is significantly higher than the average cost of caring for a typically developing child, the court may order a higher child support payment.Considerations When Requesting Higher Than the Standard Child Support AmountWhen you are considering requesting an upward deviation in child support, you should consider the cost of litigation.\u00a0Anytime a parent requests more than the \u2018standard\u2019 amount of child support, the chances of a settlement decrease and the cost of hearing to obtain a judge\u2019s decision can be substantial.It is important to note that child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a change in the child\u2019s needs. Therefore, if the needs of a special needs child change over time, it may be necessary to modify the child support order to ensure that the child\u2019s needs are being met.Divorce Settlement With Special Needs Child and Child SupportIn summary, child support for a special needs child in Michigan can be more complex than for a typically developing child due to the additional expenses related to the child\u2019s disability. However, Michigan law takes into account the unique needs of a special needs child when determining child support orders and allows for deviations from the standard formula if necessary. It is important for parents to work together to ensure that their child\u2019s needs are being met and to seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that their child is receiving the appropriate level of support.Contact Our Experienced Michigan Child Support LawyerIf you are faced with substantially higher expenses due to the specials needs of your child, contact Kraayeveld family law attorneys, our experienced child support attorneys\u00a0at to schedule a no obligation consultation to consider your options regarding child support."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Child Support for Special Needs Children","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/child-support-for-special-needs-children\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]