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In a landmark decision, the Michigan Legislature has passed new legislation that will significantly impact family law in the state, particularly in the areas of child custody and support. The bill, known as the Family Law Reform Act of 2026, was signed into law by Governor Laura Wilson on January 31, 2026.One of the key provisions of the new law is a revised formula for calculating child support payments. Under the previous system, child support payments were determined based on the income of the non-custodial parent. However, under the Family Law Reform Act, child support will now be determined based on the combined incomes of both parents, as well as other factors such as the child's needs and living expenses.Another significant change brought about by the new legislation is a shift in how child custody arrangements are determined. While Michigan has traditionally favored joint custody arrangements, the Family Law Reform Act introduces a presumption of shared custody, meaning that both parents will be presumed to have equal rights and responsibilities in raising their children unless there is evidence to the contrary.In addition to these major changes, the Family Law Reform Act also includes provisions aimed at streamlining the divorce process and reducing conflict between parties. For example, the new law requires divorcing couples to attend mediation sessions before going to court, in an effort to encourage them to resolve their differences amicably.Family law experts and advocates have hailed the passage of the Family Law Reform Act as a significant step forward in modernizing Michigan's family law system. They believe that the new legislation will promote greater cooperation between parents, reduce the financial burden on divorcing couples, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for children.However, some critics have expressed concerns about the potential for the new law to disproportionately benefit higher-income families, who may be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the revised child support calculation system. Others have questioned whether the presumption of shared custody could be detrimental in cases where there is a history of domestic violence or abuse.Overall, the passage of the Family Law Reform Act marks a significant shift in Michigan's approach to family law, with the potential to impact thousands of families across the state. As the new legislation takes effect, it is likely that there will be both challenges and opportunities ahead as families and legal professionals navigate the changes brought about by this groundbreaking reform.