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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2026 |
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is recognizing the significant achievements of the Child Support Unit of the Financial Crimes Division, which has been instrumental in identifying parents throughout the State who are capable of paying child support but deliberately refuse to do so. Since its establishment in 2003, the Child Support Unit has made significant strides in combating the problem of unpaid child support through its partnership with the Friend of the Court. The division has successfully collected more than $450 million in unpaid child support, directly benefitting nearly 31,000 children statewide. This fiscal year alone, the division has recovered $28.2 million.
“I am proud of the incredible work our Child Support Unit does to make sure Michigan children are properly supported,” Nessel said. “I also want to thank the Friend of the Court and the many county prosecutors who work alongside us each day to hold accountable those who can pay child support but refuse to. Every child deserves stability and the assurance that their parents are contributing to their well-being. My office will continue to stand with Michigan’s children and ensure they receive the support they deserve.”
“Child support enforcement is about helping children thrive,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “We are thankful for the important work the Child Support Unit does every day to protect the safety and well-being of children and families across Michigan, helping them gain stability and have a stronger foundation for the future.”
The Child Support Unit of the Financial Crimes Division focuses on parents with a history of non-payment and significant arrearages of at least $5,000 or 24 months of substantial non-payment, whichever is greater. By focusing on those who are financially capable but unwilling to pay child support, the division upholds the integrity of the Court’s orders and reinforces the importance of parental responsibility. Failing to pay child support is a felony punishable by up to 4 years of incarceration or by a fine of not more than $2,000, or both.
In addition to benefitting Michigan’s children, the unit’s efforts also provide financial relief to the State. By recovering funds that were paid as cash assistance provided to custodial parents, the unit not only covers its operating costs, but also returns revenue to the State. More than $3.2 million has been returned to the State Department of Treasury this fiscal year.
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