Friend of the Court
New Annual $25 Federal Fee
As a result of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, federal law requires that certain child support cases pay a $25 yearly fee. Beginning in September 2008, Michigan law requires that this fee be withheld from payments made to the custodial party after he or she has received at least $500 in child support on a case between October 1 and September 30 (the federal fiscal year). This year the fee is scheduled to be withheld in September (for fiscal year 2008) and then again in October (for fiscal year 2009 which begins 10/1/08).
Custodial parties who currently receive or have received cash assistance (Family Independence Program, FIP) in Michigan or another state for the child(ren) in the support order do not have to pay the fee. Custodial parties who currently receive food assistance program (FAP) benefits for a child in the support order are also exempt from paying the fee.
If you would like more information about the $25 fee, or if you believe that the fee was incorrectly withheld, please contact the Friend of the Court office.
To see frequently asked questions regarding the fee, please click here.
