When two parents decide to end their relationship it can have a significant impact on both of their lives, as well as the lives of their children. After custody is decided, the parent who will spend less time with the child will generally be required to pay child support. Child support payments can cover various expenses but are generally not designed to pay for the child’s car insurance. For more information on the expenses that payments may or may not cover, speak with an Oakland County child support lawyer today.
Does Child Support Cover Car Insurance in MI?
No, the cost of a child’s auto insurance is not considered in child support in Michigan. The Michigan Child Support Guidelines outline many requirements for child support payments, but a child’s car insurance is considered extra and the law does not require payment nor provide deductions for parents who decide to pay.
What is Covered Under Child Support Payments?
Child support is a financial requirement that ensures that a noncustodial parent continues to support their child after a divorce or separation. It would not be fair for the custodial parent to foot the bill for the entirety of the child’s expenses post-divorce.
Raising a child can be expensive. Child support payments are generally designed to cover only essential expenses and basic needs including the following.
- Housing like mortgage, rent, utilities, etc.
- Food and beverages both in and out of the house
- Transportation including the cost of the parent’s gas, vehicle registration, public transportation
- Clothing for the child including school uniforms
- Educational expenses like tuition, transportation, books, etc.
- Medical expenses not covered by healthcare
Who is Responsible for Covering the Child’s Car Insurance Costs?
Because it is not a legal requirement in Michigan, the decision is left up to the parents. It is important for parents going through a divorce to consider this cost in their decree. Because Michigan state law does not include any information regarding payment of the child’s car insurance, the parents must decide on their own. They can come to an agreement to split the cost or for one parent to take on the expense. If the two parents decide that the parent responsible for child support payments is to cover the cost, they can even request a reduction in the child support obligation to reflect the additional cost they have incurred.
Without an agreement, the court generally cannot require a parent to pay any portion of the insurance. Family law can be a complex topic with many rules and caveats. The legal process of negotiating child support or a divorce agreement can be overwhelming and sometimes complicated. The best way to ensure your rights are protected throughout this process is to obtain representation from an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will help you understand what you are owed and what you are responsible for in terms of financial support for your child. Speak to an experienced attorney today for more information.