Beginning October 1 people who owe past due child support will have a 90-day window to avoid state criminal and civil enforcement penalties under a new law providing for a time-limited child support arrearage amnesty.

"We know that payment of child support is a good indicator that a parent will remain active in the lives of their children," said Marilyn Stephen, director of the DHS Office of Child Support. "We want to do everything to encourage that involvement and this is an opportunity for parents to get current in their child support payments without the fear of penalties."

Beginning Oct. 1, anyone who owes past due support can submit a completed "Child Support Amnesty Request Form" to his or her local Friend of the Court office. The request must be accompanied by at least half of the past due support owed. Any remaining past-due child support must be paid by the end of the amnesty period on Dec. 31.

Participants will have no state criminal or civil enforcement penalties initiated for the duration of the program. Penalties that have already been initiated will be waived with the exception of felony prosecution that has been initiated or if the payer has already been arrested based on a criminal or bench warrant related to the payer's failure or refusal to pay past due child support.

The amnesty program was established by Public Act 564 of 2004 and sponsored by Rep. Alexander Lipsey to coincide with child support month in October.

"This program facilitates the basic purpose of the child support system – providing financial support to children," said Rep. Lipsey, of Kalamazoo, who initiated and guided the law through the state legislature. "Through it, good faith payers can fulfill their obligation; children will receive much needed funds, and we will not waste jail space on cash strapped payers."

The amnesty program does not affect current support obligations. Income withholding orders for collection of current support will remain in effect during and after the amnesty program.

To obtain a Child Support Amnesty Request Form with instructions or for more information regarding the program contact your local Friend of the Court office, go online to www.michigan.gov/dhs and click on "Child Support", or call toll-free 1-866-540-0008.