FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
September 25, 2024
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido Continues Aggressive Efforts to Address Child Support Arrears
Mount Clemens, MI -Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is committed to ensuring children receive the financial support they need by addressing child support arrears throughout the county. Under his leadership, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Family Division has prioritized enforcing financial responsibility to support the well-being of children. In 2022, Prosecutor Lucido launched an initiative focused on helping noncustodial parents catch up on child support payments rather than solely pursuing prosecution. Since its inception, and with bipartisan support from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the program has collected over $1.3 million in child support for Macomb County children. Currently, 202 parents are consistently making payments, and 147 have been charged for failing to comply despite having the ability to pay.
"This initiative is about accountability and compassion. By providing parents an opportunity to meet their obligations without immediately resorting to prosecution, we've been able to collect over $1.3 million for our children. It's a win for families, and we're proud of the progress we're making,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
In a significant step toward this goal, the Prosecutor's Office held a “Back to School Child Support Telephone Town Hall” on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Hosted by Prosecutor Lucido and Family Division Unit Chief Kymberly Shinneman, this event provided families with vital resources and information regarding child support matters. During the session, attendees learned how to initiate child support cases, explore methods for collecting overdue payments, and receive guidance on how to fulfill their obligations. A Q&A segment allowed participants to voice concerns and receive tailored advice from the experts. The event saw impressive participation, with 11,929 people listening in.
Beyond events like the Town Hall, the Family Division continues its collaboration with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department to address felony child support warrants. Under Michigan law, individuals who owe more than $5,000 in child support, have missed payments for three consecutive months, and have the ability to pay may face criminal charges. The division’s goal is to encourage compliance and secure financial support for children, rather than immediately pursuing felony charges.
"Our top priority is ensuring that Macomb County children receive the financial support they deserve. By focusing on helping noncustodial parents get back on track with their payments, we are not only enforcing the law but also supporting the well-being and future of our children," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
To avoid prosecution and arrange a payment plan, individuals can contact the Family Division at (586) 493-4488 or email pafamilysupport@macombgov.org.
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