Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Re: Who pays for auto and insurance for teen?

If it is not addressed in the Divorce Decree and Parenting Agreement/Settlement,then I think it would depend which parent is supplying the child with a car (assuming the custodial parent doesn't put the responsibility on the teen to pay their portion of the auto insurance, which a parent certainly could do), but there is no law that dictates how this is determined, and it would probably be a good idea for both parents to try to work this out. I would say, by default it is the custodial parent, but if it was the non-custodial parent that wants to supply the child with the car, it seems they should be willing to pay for the insurance, or contribute to it at least. But I could see a non-custodial parent arguing that this should be paid for out of child support. Whether a judge would by the argument or not, is another story, and there is no statute that addresses this particular issue. If the parents (both custodial and non custodial) want the kid to have the car they need to work out how insurance and car payments are getting paid even if it means the kid has to at least contribute some of it.

Re: Who pays for auto and insurance for teen?

There is no default as to who should pay. I suggest you discuss it with the other parent and reach an agreement between the two of you, as having your child drive will likely benefit both of you, especially if he/she is driving to see the other parent.