Michigan Form FD 16 is the Verified Statement and Application for IV-D Services that every party in a Michigan domestic relations case with minor children must complete and file with the Friend of the Court (FOC) so the court can open a child support, custody, or parenting time file. The form gives the FOC the personal, employment, health insurance, and child information it needs to enforce a judgment, and a missing or wrong entry can stall your case for weeks.
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) approves and revises FD 16, and the most recent posted revision should always be confirmed on the SCAO court forms page before you sign. According to the Michigan Friend of the Court Bureau, more than 850,000 active IV-D cases run through Michigan’s FOC system, and clerks report that incomplete FD 16 forms are among the top three reasons new domestic relations files are bounced back at intake.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every box on FD 16 line by line, with sample answers and field-by-field consequences.
- 🧾 Which documents, ID numbers, and dates to gather before you open the form so you do not have to start over.
- 👨👩👧 Three full filled-in walkthroughs covering divorce with minor children, paternity, and post-judgment modification.
- 🏛️ How to file FD 16 by paper, in person, or through the MiFILE e-filing portal, with fees, processing times, and proof-of-filing tips.
- ⚠️ The most common mistakes that trigger FOC holds, dismissals, or contempt, and exactly how to avoid each one.
What Form FD 16 Is and Who Must File It
Form FD 16, titled Verified Statement and Application for IV-D Services, is the SCAO-approved intake document that opens a Friend of the Court file in any Michigan domestic relations action involving minor children. The form is required by MCR 3.206(C) whenever a complaint or motion seeks support, custody, or parenting time, and the FOC uses it to register your case with the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System (MiCSES).
Anyone who files a divorce complaint, separate maintenance action, paternity complaint, custody complaint, or post-judgment motion that touches support or parenting time must complete FD 16. Both the plaintiff and the defendant are expected to file their own FD 16, because each parent’s information is needed to set income, set health coverage, and serve enforcement notices. A blank FD 16 is treated by clerks as a missing pleading, which means the new case number will not be assigned until the document is in the file.
The form ties together five core moving parts: its purpose (data collection), the receiving agency (county FOC and the Michigan Office of Child Support), the statute that requires it (MCL 552.505 and Title IV-D of the Social Security Act), the deadline (filed with the initial complaint or within 14 days of the first responsive pleading under MCR 3.206), and the penalty for skipping it (your motion can be struck and you can be held in contempt under MCL 552.603a).
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Open FD 16 only after you have every piece of personal, financial, and child-related information close at hand. The form is signed under oath, and stopping mid-way to hunt for a Social Security number or insurance card invites mistakes that the FOC will catch. The SCAO instructions for FD 16 list each required input, but the practical pre-filing checklist below covers what most filers actually need.
- Your full legal name and any prior names. The FOC matches you against MiCSES, Secretary of State, and Social Security records, so a missing maiden name causes identity holds.
- Your Social Security number. Federal law at 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13) requires the SSN on every IV-D application, and a missing SSN bounces the form.
- Date of birth, race, and gender. These data points feed federal IV-D reporting; leaving them blank prevents the case from being registered.
- Current residential address and a mailing address. Service of FOC notices is sent to the address on FD 16, so an old address means missed hearings and possible default.
- Daytime, evening, and cell phone numbers, plus an email address. The FOC contacts parties about reviews, modifications, and enforcement; outdated contact info delays everything.
- Driver’s license number and state. This helps the FOC enforce license suspension under MCL 552.628 and verifies identity at intake.
- Employer name, address, gross weekly wage, and pay frequency. Income withholding under MCL 552.604 starts from this entry, so wrong numbers create wrong support.
- Health insurance carrier, policy number, group number, and covered persons. MCL 552.626a requires the order to address coverage, and a missing carrier blocks the National Medical Support Notice.
- Each child’s full name, date of birth, SSN, and current address. The FOC opens a child-specific record for each minor, and a missing SSN delays support orders.
- Other party’s identifying information, if known. Putting unknown is allowed, but the more you provide, the faster service and enforcement begin.
- Public assistance status. If you or the children receive TANF, Medicaid, or SNAP, the state automatically becomes an IV-D party.
- Existing court orders. Any prior support, custody, or PPO order from any state must be attached so jurisdiction under the UCCJEA and UIFSA is preserved.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, fillable PDF lives on the SCAO court forms library under the family division category, with the direct link to the FD 16 PDF. Always download the form fresh for each case, because SCAO updates the layout when statutes, federal IV-D rules, or the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual change. Using an old version risks rejection at the clerk’s window because boxes have been added or moved.
You can also pick up a paper copy at any county Friend of the Court office or the family division clerk in your circuit court. Many counties keep the form in their self-help center along with a free Domestic Relations Filing Packet that bundles FD 16 with the complaint, summons, and verified statement. If you need help reading or completing the form, the Michigan Legal Help self-help centers offer guided interviews that produce a populated FD 16 you can print and sign.
E-filers access FD 16 through the MiFILE portal once their case is opened. The portal’s forms tab lets you fill the PDF in your browser, e-sign it, and submit it directly to the assigned circuit court. Whichever channel you choose, confirm that the revision date in the lower right corner matches the most current SCAO posting before you sign, because a stale form is a common reason for a clerk’s bounce-back.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form FD 16 Line by Line
The form is divided into a caption, a Part I (your information), a Part II (other party’s information), a Part III (children), a Part IV (health care coverage and IV-D application), a verification block, and a signature line. Work top to bottom, do not skip boxes, and write unknown rather than leaving any line blank if you truly do not have the information.
Caption: Court, County, and Case Number
The top caption asks for the judicial circuit, the county, and the case number. Restated plainly, this tells the clerk which court owns your case. Enter the circuit number printed on your summons (for example, 3rd Judicial Circuit), the county in ALL CAPS (WAYNE), and the case number in the format the clerk assigns (26-001234-DM). If your case is brand new and you are filing FD 16 with the complaint, leave the case number blank and the clerk will stamp it.
A common edge case is when your matter is consolidated with an older paternity file; in that situation, list the current case number and attach a copy of the consolidation order. The most frequent caption mistake is writing the district court instead of the circuit court, which routes the form to the wrong building and adds 7-10 days to intake. A persistent misconception is that the caption is optional on the first filing, but the Michigan Court Rules require it on every pleading, including FD 16.
Box 1: Your Full Legal Name
This box asks for the name on your birth certificate or the name shown on your most recent legal name change order. Enter it exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, last name first, in the format LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA. If you have used another name in the last 10 years, list it in parentheses, for example LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA (formerly RIVERA).
A common nuance is married versus maiden names; if your divorce judgment will restore a former name, still list the current legal name on FD 16 because the FOC matches Social Security records as of the filing date. The most common mistake is using a nickname like Mari, which causes a name-mismatch hold in MiCSES and freezes any income withholding. A frequent misconception is that the FOC will fix a name typo silently; in reality, the agency will mail a deficiency notice and pause processing.
Box 2: Your Social Security Number
The form asks for your nine-digit SSN, with no dashes if you are typing into the PDF. Enter it as 123-45-6789 on paper or 123456789 in the fillable field. Federal law at 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13) requires the SSN for every IV-D application, and the FOC redacts it from the public file under MCR 1.109(D)(9).
If you do not have an SSN because you are not a U.S. citizen, write ITIN and the nine-digit individual taxpayer number issued by the IRS. The most common mistake is leaving the SSN blank for privacy reasons; the form is then rejected at intake because IV-D registration cannot occur. The misconception is that FD 16 becomes a public record with your SSN visible, but MCR 1.109(D)(9) requires the clerk to seal it and only the FOC, IRS, and child support agencies see it.
Box 3: Date of Birth
This box asks for your birthday in MM/DD/YYYY format. Enter it with leading zeros, so March 14, 1985 becomes 03/14/1985. The FOC uses the DOB to verify identity in MiCSES and to confirm you are an adult party.
A nuance arises when the DOB on your driver’s license differs from the SSA record; always use the SSA date because the FOC cross-checks federally. A common mistake is writing the date in DD/MM/YYYY format, which the clerk reads as an impossible month and rejects. The misconception is that the DOB is optional; in reality, 42 U.S.C. § 654a requires it for every IV-D party.
Box 4: Race, Gender, and Eye Color
This demographic block asks for race, gender, and eye color, used by federal IV-D for parent locator services. Check the single box that matches your federal census category, write M or F (or X if your state ID shows a third option), and write the eye color from your driver’s license, for example BRO for brown.
The nuance most filers miss is that this data is used to locate a non-paying parent through the Federal Parent Locator Service, so accuracy speeds enforcement. The common mistake is leaving the demographic boxes blank because they feel intrusive, which delays IV-D registration. A misconception is that the demographic data is shared with employers; it is not, and the federal Privacy Act limits disclosure to authorized agencies.
Box 5: Residential and Mailing Address
The form asks where you live and where you receive mail. Enter the street address on the residential line (4321 Cass Ave, Apt 7, Detroit, MI 48201) and the mailing address below, even if it is the same. If you use a P.O. Box, put the physical address on the residential line and the P.O. Box on the mailing line because the FOC must know where you actually sleep for jurisdiction.
A nuance applies to survivors of domestic violence; under MCL 780.851 you can apply for the Address Confidentiality Program and write the substitute address issued by the Attorney General. The common mistake is listing only a P.O. Box, which causes the FOC to question venue. A misconception is that you can list a friend’s address for privacy; doing so is perjury because FD 16 is signed under oath.
Box 6: Telephone Numbers and Email
This block asks for your daytime, evening, cell, and email contacts. Enter each number with area code and dashes, for example 313-555-0142, and an email you check daily. The FOC sends review notices, modification packets, and enforcement letters to these contacts.
A nuance: if you do not have a phone, write NONE and provide a care of contact who can pass along messages. The common mistake is listing only a work number, which the FOC will not call after hours, causing missed contact for show-cause hearings. A misconception is that the email is optional; many counties now send MiCSES correspondence electronically first, so a missing email delays notice.
Box 7: Driver’s License Number and State
The form requests the license number and the state of issue. Enter the number exactly as printed (L 123 456 789 012) and the two-letter state abbreviation (MI). Under MCL 552.628, the FOC can suspend the license of a payer who falls 2 months behind, so the agency needs the number on file.
A nuance: if you have a state ID rather than a license, write STATE ID and the number. The common mistake is leaving this blank because I do not drive, which means the FOC cannot quickly verify identity and may demand more documentation. A misconception is that providing the license number triggers automatic suspension; suspension only follows a court order after notice and a hearing.
Box 8: Employer Information and Income
This block asks for your employer’s name, address, payroll phone, gross weekly wage, and pay frequency. Enter the legal entity name (FORD MOTOR COMPANY), the payroll office address, the gross before-tax wage ($1,250.00 weekly), and the pay cycle (WEEKLY, BIWEEKLY, or SEMIMONTHLY). The FOC uses this to set income withholding under MCL 552.604 and to plug numbers into the Michigan Child Support Formula.
A nuance applies to gig workers and the self-employed; write SELF-EMPLOYED and attach a profit-and-loss statement covering the last 6 months, because the formula treats self-employment income differently. The most common mistake is reporting net pay instead of gross; this lowers the support order in error and exposes you to retroactive arrears when discovered. The misconception is that bonuses, overtime, and commissions are excluded; the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual section 2.01 includes them in gross income.
Box 9: Health Insurance Information
This box asks whether you carry health insurance, the carrier name, the policy and group numbers, the monthly premium, and which family members are covered. Check Yes or No, then enter (BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN, Policy 987654321, Group 00123, $185/mo, covers self and 2 children). Under MCL 552.626a, every support order must address health coverage, so the FOC must know what you already have.
A nuance: if your insurance is through a union plan, list the trust name and the union local number. The common mistake is checking No because the children are on the other parent’s plan; the FOC still needs your status to evaluate cost. A misconception is that listing insurance forces you to keep paying it; the court actually orders coverage after weighing reasonable cost under 42 C.F.R. § 433.152.
Box 10: Children’s Names, DOBs, and SSNs
The children’s grid asks for each minor child’s full legal name, date of birth, SSN, and current address. List the children oldest first, for example Lopez, Sofia M., 06/12/2017, 123-45-2222, 4321 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. The FOC opens a separate child record in MiCSES for each row.
A nuance: include only children of this relationship; children from other relationships go on a supplemental sheet so the formula can credit other support obligations. The common mistake is listing stepchildren you do not legally support, which inflates the case and confuses the FOC. The misconception is that emancipated 18-year-olds drop off automatically; under MCL 552.605b support continues to high school graduation or age 19.5, whichever is earlier, so list them.
Box 11: Other Party’s Identifying Information
This mirrors Boxes 1-7 but for the opposing party. Provide the other parent’s full legal name, SSN, DOB, address, phone, employer, and license number to the extent you know them. Write unknown on any line you cannot verify, but do not guess.
A nuance: if you fear the other party, you may ask the court to seal this box under MCR 8.119(I). The common mistake is making up an SSN that looks right, which is perjury and freezes the case. A misconception is that you must hire a private investigator; the Federal Parent Locator Service is free through the FOC and finds most parents within 30 days.
Box 12: Public Assistance and IV-D Application
This block asks whether you, the children, or the other party receive TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, or foster care payments. Check Yes and list the case number from your MI Bridges account if so. A Yes answer automatically assigns support rights to the State of Michigan under MCL 400.10.
A nuance: even a Yes on Medicaid alone triggers IV-D, so do not skip the box if only the children have Medicaid. The common mistake is checking No to avoid state involvement when you actually receive benefits, which is welfare fraud under MCL 400.60. The misconception is that IV-D services cost extra; the annual federal IV-D fee is only $35 and is taken from collections, not from you up front.
Box 13: Existing Orders From Any State
The form asks if any other court anywhere has issued a support, custody, parenting time, or PPO order involving the same children. Check Yes or No, and if Yes, list the case number, court, and date, then attach a certified copy. This protects jurisdiction under the UCCJEA and the UIFSA.
A nuance: tribal court orders count and must be listed; a Bay Mills or Sault Tribe order has full faith and credit under 25 U.S.C. § 1911. The common mistake is forgetting an old paternity order from another state; the FOC will discover it through FCR and the case will be dismissed for improper venue. The misconception is that an expired order does not count; you must still list it because it shows the chain of jurisdiction.
Verification and Signature Block
The bottom of the form has a sworn verification stating that the answers are true to the best of my knowledge. Sign in blue or black ink, print your name, write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format, and have the form notarized only if your county requires it. Most counties accept the verification without a notary because the court rules treat a verified statement as the equivalent of an affidavit.
A nuance: e-filers sign with an /s/ Maria Lopez electronic signature line through the MiFILE portal. The common mistake is dating the form before the answers are complete; the date must match the day you actually swear to the answers. The misconception is that an attorney can sign for you; only the party can sign FD 16 because it is a sworn statement of personal facts.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three walkthroughs below show how three different filers complete FD 16 from top to bottom. Each table has 2 columns and follows one named person through the form.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Divorce With Two Minor Children in Wayne County
Maria is a 41-year-old nurse divorcing after a 12-year marriage. She has two children, ages 8 and 5, and earns $1,250 gross per week at a Detroit hospital.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | 3rd Judicial Circuit, WAYNE County, 26-001234-DM |
| Box 1 Name | LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA (formerly RIVERA) |
| Box 2 SSN | 123-45-6789 |
| Box 3 DOB | 03/14/1985 |
| Box 5 Address | 4321 Cass Ave, Apt 7, Detroit, MI 48201 |
| Box 8 Employer | Detroit Medical Center, $1,250 gross weekly, biweekly pay |
| Box 9 Insurance | BCBSM Policy 987654321, $185/mo, self + 2 children |
| Box 10 Children | Sofia 06/12/2017; Mateo 09/02/2020 |
| Box 12 IV-D | No public assistance, applies for full IV-D services |
| Signature | Maria Lopez, 05/21/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Brown, Paternity Action in Genesee County
Marcus is a 29-year-old auto technician filing a paternity complaint to establish legal fatherhood and parenting time for his 2-year-old daughter, who lives with the mother.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | 7th Judicial Circuit, GENESEE County, 26-000456-DP |
| Box 1 Name | BROWN, MARCUS ANTHONY |
| Box 2 SSN | 234-56-7890 |
| Box 3 DOB | 11/02/1996 |
| Box 5 Address | 812 Hamilton St, Flint, MI 48503 |
| Box 8 Employer | Bishop Auto Group, $980 gross weekly, weekly pay |
| Box 9 Insurance | Aetna Policy A55512, $120/mo, self only |
| Box 10 Child | Brown-Hayes, Aaliyah, 04/18/2024, 345-67-8901 |
| Box 11 Other Party | Hayes, Janelle M., 22 Industrial Ave, Flint, MI |
| Box 12 IV-D | Yes, child receives Medicaid; assigns rights to State |
Scenario 3: Janet Kowalski, Post-Judgment Modification in Kent County
Janet is the custodial mother in a 2019 judgment whose teen son’s needs have increased. She is filing FD 16 with her motion to modify support.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | 17th Judicial Circuit, KENT County, 19-007788-DM |
| Box 1 Name | KOWALSKI, JANET MARIE |
| Box 2 SSN | 345-67-8901 |
| Box 3 DOB | 07/22/1980 |
| Box 5 Address | 990 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 |
| Box 8 Employer | Spectrum Health, $1,420 gross weekly, biweekly pay |
| Box 10 Child | Kowalski, Liam J., 09/14/2010, 456-78-9012 |
| Box 13 Existing Orders | Yes, Kent County 19-007788-DM dated 06/05/2019 |
| Verification | I swear the above is true, signed Janet Kowalski, 05/21/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form FD 16
You can file FD 16 in person, by mail, or through the MiFILE e-filing portal. The path you choose depends on your county’s local administrative order, your access to a computer, and whether you have an attorney of record.
In person. Take the signed original plus 2 copies to the family division clerk’s window at your county circuit court, for example the Wayne County Clerk at 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. The clerk stamps each copy, returns 2 to you, and walks one to the FOC. There is no separate filing fee for FD 16 itself, although the underlying complaint requires a filing fee under MCL 600.2529, generally $175 for a divorce. Pay by cash, check, or money order made to the County Clerk, and ask for a true copy receipt as your proof of filing.
By mail. Send the original FD 16, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and 2 copies to the same family division clerk address. Use certified mail with return receipt under MCR 2.107(C)(3) so you can prove the filing date. Processing takes 7-10 business days, and the clerk mails back stamped copies. Keep the green return-receipt card with your case file.
Online via MiFILE. Register at the MiFILE portal, pay any underlying complaint fee with a credit card or e-check, upload the signed PDF, and submit to your circuit court. The portal accepts e-signatures and returns a Notice of Acceptance email within 24-48 business hours, which is your proof of filing. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in many circuits under Administrative Order 2018-3, and pro se filers can opt in for free through the portal.
What Happens After You File FD 16
Within 14 days, the FOC opens a case file in MiCSES, assigns a referee or specialist, and mails both parties an FOC Handbook describing your rights and duties under MCL 552.505a. The information you entered is verified against state and federal databases, including the Federal Case Registry and the National Directory of New Hires, so any inconsistency triggers a deficiency letter.
If your case requests support, the FOC schedules a recommendation conference within 21 days where both parties bring 3 most recent pay stubs and last year’s tax return. The referee runs the Michigan Child Support Formula and issues a recommended order, which becomes a court order if neither party objects within 21 days under MCR 3.215(E). Income withholding then starts within 14 days through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit.
For custody and parenting time, the FOC may schedule a separate investigation under MCL 552.505(1)(g) and produce a written report to the judge. Throughout the process, you can track progress through the MiChildSupport portal using the case number stamped on your filed FD 16.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out Form FD 16
- Leaving the SSN blank for privacy reasons; the form is rejected at intake and IV-D registration cannot occur.
- Reporting net pay instead of gross weekly wage; the support order comes out too low and arrears later balloon.
- Using a nickname instead of the name on your Social Security card; MiCSES puts an identity hold and freezes withholding.
- Listing only a P.O. Box on the residential line; the FOC questions venue and may dismiss for improper county.
- Checking No on public assistance when you actually receive Medicaid; that is welfare fraud under MCL 400.60.
- Forgetting an out-of-state existing order; the case is later dismissed for lack of jurisdiction under UIFSA.
- Skipping the children’s SSNs; the FOC cannot run the Federal Case Registry check, delaying support.
- Guessing the other party’s SSN; perjury exposure plus a stalled file when the number does not match.
- Signing before completing all boxes; the verification covers blanks as unknown, exposing you to amendment costs.
- Using last year’s revision of the form; the clerk bounces it because field numbers no longer match SCAO’s posted version.
- Putting an old employer because you just changed jobs; income withholding goes to the wrong payroll, missing the first weeks of support.
- Failing to attach the certified copy of an existing order from Box 13; the FOC issues a deficiency notice and pauses your motion.
Dos and Don’ts
- Do download a fresh copy of FD 16 for each new filing because SCAO updates fields when statutes change.
- Do match every name to your Social Security card so MiCSES does not freeze the case at intake.
- Do report gross income with leading zeros, decimals, and pay frequency so the Michigan Child Support Formula calculates correctly.
- Do attach certified copies of any existing orders from Box 13 to preserve UIFSA jurisdiction.
- Do keep a stamped or e-filed copy in a safe place because the FOC will ask you to produce it during reviews.
- Do update the FOC within 21 days of any address, employer, or insurance change under MCL 552.603a.
- Don’t write N/A on demographic boxes; the Federal Parent Locator Service needs the data to find missing parents.
- Don’t sign before all boxes are answered, because the verification swears to the answers shown.
- Don’t list a friend’s address as your residence; that is perjury under oath.
- Don’t report after-tax pay; gross is required by section 2.01 of the Formula Manual.
- Don’t skip the children’s SSNs; the case cannot register without them.
- Don’t ignore deficiency letters from the FOC; missing a 14-day cure window can dismiss the entire motion.
Pros and Cons of Filing FD 16 on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se | Filing With Attorney or Advocate |
|---|---|
| Saves attorney fees, often $1,500-$3,500 for a divorce in Michigan | |
| Free guided interview at Michigan Legal Help walks you through every box | |
| You learn the FOC system, useful for future modifications | |
| Faster turnaround if you are organized, because there is no back-and-forth with counsel | |
| Full control over what is disclosed in Box 11 | |
| Higher risk of rejection at intake, adding 7-10 days | |
| Easy to under-report income or miss an out-of-state order | |
| Stress and emotional toll during divorce or paternity is significant | |
| No professional review of UCCJEA or UIFSA traps | |
| Limited recourse if the FOC misreads a box | |
| Attorney guarantees correct caption, signature, and attachments | |
| Lawyer can request sealing under MCR 8.119(I) when safety is at risk |
Key Entities, Statutes, and Related Forms
The agencies and rules that touch FD 16 form a tight web. The State Court Administrative Office approves the form; the county Friend of the Court receives it; the Michigan Office of Child Support registers it in MiCSES; and the Michigan State Disbursement Unit collects and sends payments.
Statutes in play include MCL 552.505 (FOC duties), MCL 552.604 (income withholding), MCL 552.626a (health coverage), the UCCJEA, and the UIFSA. Related SCAO forms include FOC 39 (Uniform Child Support Order), FOC 10/52 (uniform spousal support order), and MC 416 (confidential case inventory addendum). The Court of Appeals decision in Borowsky v Borowsky clarified that gross income on FD 16 must include bonuses, and Stallworth v Stallworth confirmed that omitting an out-of-state order is grounds for dismissal under UCCJEA.
FAQs
Do I have to file FD 16 if I have no minor children?
No. FD 16 is required only when minor children are involved or when child or spousal support is requested. Adults-only divorces use a Verified Statement Without Children instead.
Is FD 16 filed in district court or circuit court?
No district court. Domestic relations cases are heard in the circuit court family division under MCL 600.1021, so FD 16 always goes to the circuit clerk in the county where you file the complaint.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 1?
No maiden name in the main line if your current legal name is your married name. Use your current legal name and add the maiden name in parentheses, for example (formerly RIVERA).
Yes or no, must I list children from a prior relationship in Box 10?
No. Box 10 is only for children of the relationship at issue. Other-relationship children belong on a supplemental sheet so the formula can credit existing support.
Do I have to put my Social Security number on FD 16?
Yes. 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13) requires the SSN, and the clerk seals it from public view under MCR 1.109(D)(9).
Can my attorney sign FD 16 for me?
No. FD 16 is a sworn personal statement. Only the party can sign, although an attorney may e-file the signed PDF through the MiFILE portal.
Is there a filing fee just for FD 16?
No standalone fee. The form rides with the underlying complaint, which costs around $175 under MCL 600.2529; fee waivers under MCR 2.002 are available.
Do I report gross or net income in Box 8?
Yes, gross. Section 2.01 of the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual defines income before taxes and required deductions.
Yes or no, do I include bonuses and overtime?
Yes. Borowsky v Borowsky confirmed bonuses, overtime, and commissions are part of gross income on FD 16, even when irregular.
Can I use the Address Confidentiality Program address in Box 5?
Yes. Survivors of domestic violence can list the substitute address issued by the Attorney General under MCL 780.851 instead of their actual home address.
Do I need to attach certified copies of out-of-state orders?
Yes. Box 13 requires a certified copy so the FOC can preserve UIFSA jurisdiction; uncertified copies trigger a 14-day deficiency notice.
Yes or no, can I e-file FD 16 without a lawyer?
Yes. Pro se filers can register on the MiFILE portal for free and submit the signed PDF directly to the circuit court.
Do I need to update FD 16 if I move or change jobs?
Yes. MCL 552.603a requires written notice to the FOC within 21 days, usually with form FOC 108, or you risk contempt.
Yes or no, can I refuse to give the other party’s information?
No. You must provide what you know and write unknown for the rest. Making up data is perjury under the verification block.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FD 1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FD 8 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FOC 50 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FD 13 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FD 88 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form FOC 8 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan Form PC 570 (w/Examples) + FAQs