Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Re: Child Support Arrears Warrant

The warrant will be good until you answer to it. Whether other states choose to execute upon the warrant by arresting you is difficult to say,--Michigan does participate in LEIN (law enforcement information network, I believe), so returning to another state won't necessarily keep you out of trouble. But, you really shouldn't worry too much if the facts are as you described them: contact the Friend of the Court or Court that issued the warrant and explain to them the problem. If you were out of the country, then that should be obvious from your passport, so more likely than not all the Court will do is reset the hearing and give you the opportunity to appear and argue your side of the apparent child support dispute. HOWEVER, if you left the country knowing about the hearing, don't expect much sympathy. ALso, in many Courts, regardless of the reason you didn't appear, you should be prepared to pay something towards the support of your children. Call it good faith, or whatever, they need that support.

Regina Brice

Brice Law Offices

2232 S. Main Street #364