Payment Basics

Child support is typically withheld directly from your paycheck, and you must notify the Friend of the Court (FOC) of your employer’s details. The Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) handles the collection and distribution of support payments unless the court orders otherwise. Payments can be made by check, money order, or online, and account information is accessible 24/7 by phone or through the MiChildSupport website.

Income Withholding

If you are employed, child support payments will typically be withheld from your paycheck. You must keep the Friend of the Court informed of your employment status and information. Please contact the FOC with the name, address and phone number of your employer.

MiSDU

Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) has the responsibility to collect and forward child and spousal support to the payee. State law requires MiSDU to receive, record and send out all support payments due, current and past due not less than once each month. Payments for support may be made by personal check, money order, income withholding and mailed to:

Michigan State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 30351
Lansing MI 48909-7851

Accessing Information About Payments

You can access information about your child support account, payments received, arrearage, etc., 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing 1.877.543.2660.

You can also access information on the MiChildSupport website.

Information & Forms

Click this MiSDU link to obtain information and forms for:

  • Changing your address 
  • Printing a temporary payment coupon 
  • Changing your PIN Number 
  • Direct deposit of support payments
  • Making an online support payment 
  • Rules about distribution and allocation of support when a payer has multiple cases

Click this link for information on Electronic Distribution of Child Support

Statements or Printouts

Once a year, upon a written request, the FOC will provide parties with a statement of the support account free of charge. To obtain yearly statements or printouts, please send a written request to:

Clare County Friend of the Court
225 West Main Street
P.O. Box 988
Harrison, Michigan 48625

Gladwin County Friend of the Court
401 West Cedar Avenue
Gladwin, Michigan 48624