How UIFSA Makes Michigan Orders Stick Across State Lines
As a Michigan family law office with over a decade of experience, we’ve witnessed first-hand the complications that arise when one parent relocates—often leaving families wondering if Michigan’s child support order still matters. The answer lies in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)—a critical yet under-discussed tool that ensures Michigan orders remain enforceable nationally.
1. What is UIFSA?
Enacted federally in 1996 and updated over time, UIFSA creates a unified framework for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders across states or countries. Under UIFSA, only one state retains continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over your order: typically the state where the order originated, so long as either parent or the child still resides there.
2. Why UIFSA Matters for Michigan Child Support Orders
Relocating with a child can be difficult, but even more so when there are legal implications. Being on the right side of the law will make the transition smoother, and UIFSA helps in many ways:
- Simple Enforcement: If the non-custodial parent moves from Michigan, UIFSA lets the custodial parent enforce support locally—no need to fly back to Michigan.
- Consistent Modification Rules: Parents in other states cannot modify Michigan’s order unless applicable UIFSA conditions are met.
- Federal Recognition: UIFSA incorporates the Hague Maintenance Convention, allowing enforcement even with international living situations.
3. How UIFSA Enforcement Works in Practice
- Registration – The custodial parent or Michigan Friend of the Court (FOC) registers the Michigan order with the support agency in the new state.
- Local Takeover – Once registered, the foreign state treats the order as its own for enforcement: wage garnishment, bank levies, passport denial, professional license suspension—you name it.
- Ongoing Administration – The new state’s courts and agencies can enforce or review arrears. However, modifying the original amount still requires involvement from Michigan—unless both parents and the child have moved away.
4. Common Pitfalls & Strategic Tips
As with any legal framework, there are always potential pitfalls to avoid, but also a smart strategy can help you deal with any potential issues.
Boomerang Moves:
If a parent leaves Michigan but later returns, Michigan courts still retain jurisdiction—no expiration on that authority.
Unregistered Orders:
Many relocation cases falter simply because UIFSA protocols weren’t followed. Never underestimate the importance of formal registration across state lines.
Think Prospective, Not Retroactive:
Even under UIFSA, courts generally do not retroactively adjust or credit payments before registration, which means registering as soon as possible is key to getting your payments in full and on time.
Collaborate with Out‑of‑State Counsel:
A co-counsel in the new jurisdiction can guide you through local procedures—working in harmony with your Michigan attorney.
5. Real-Life Example of UIFSA In Action
When Alex. a Southgate dentist moved to Wisconsin, his ex-spouse registered their Michigan support order with Wisconsin’s support agency. Within weeks, Wisconsin garnished his wages and collected arrears—all without a single trip back to Michigan. UIFSA did the heavy lifting.
6. Why You Should Act Fast
UIFSA isn’t optional—it’s the law. But to benefit, you must:
- Recognize a change in the other parent’s residence or payment behavior,
- Promptly register the Michigan order in the new state,
- Engage local counsel to handle regional filings, and
- Prepare for enforcement tools the new state brings—sometimes these will be more aggressive than Michigan’s.
If you’re worried support is being avoided across state—or national—borders, know that Michigan doesn’t lose its authority just because your child (or the other parent) moves. UIFSA ensures your Michigan order travels with you.
As always, navigating interstate enforcement is procedural and detail-heavy. An experienced attorney can guide you through each jurisdiction’s specific timelines, fees, and filing rules—so your child doesn’t end up left without support.