If you are a Michigan parent who is planning to request child support, you will need to gather essential documents to begin your case. You will also need some additional documents that will serve as supporting evidence.
Essential documents
As you get ready to file for child support, you will need the following essential documents:
- Valid identification with a photo such as your driver’s license or passport
- Your children’s birth certificates
- Proof of your address such as utility bills or the receipt for the rent
- Contact information for your child’s other parent
These are the documents most states require to file for child support or if you are seeking a child support order modification. You might need to provide the originals, or you might be able to submit scanned copies of the documents.
Supporting documents for your child support case
You should also gather supporting documents that can help your child support case to be resolved in less time. Having these documents ready if they are requested can save you time and help you receive child support payments faster. Some of these documents include:
- The Social Security cards for the children and yourself
- The child’s proof of paternity
- Evidence of income such as paystubs
- Receipts of previous child support payments
- Proof of any owed child support payments
- Copies of other child support orders
- Any other financial documents that can be used in the case
Child support payments are vital in ensuring that your child’s needs are met. Gathering all the essential and supporting documents should be one of the first steps you take when you decide to file. In some cases, such as when you are receiving financial assistance from the government, the state might seek child support payments on your behalf so you will not have to file.