Michigan Spousal Support Attorneys
In any action in Michigan for divorce or separation, a court may require either spouse - the husband or the wife - to provide financial support for the other party. This is commonly called “alimony” or “maintenance.” It may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis.
To determine the “proper and necessary” spousal support amount, a Michigan court will look at several different factors, including:
- Duration of the marriage
- Contributions of each party
- Age of the parties
- Health of the parties
- Life status of the parties
- Necessities and circumstances of the parties
- Earning abilities of the parties
- Past relations and conduct of the parties
- General principles of fairness
The court’s goal will be to allow the parties to maintain a standard of living after the marriage that is the same as they enjoyed during marriage - without having to deplete their estate.
The parties can agree to an award of alimony that is provided in either a lump sum or in periodic payments, which may be subject to modification unless the parties agree otherwise.
To receive a modification of spousal support payments, the party would need to show a change in circumstances, such as a significant change in employment or development of a disability. Spousal support may also be subject to termination in certain cases where the other party remarries, begins living with another person or dies. Actions could also be brought to set aside a judgment granting spousal support on grounds of fraud, duress or mistake.
If a party moves to another state, it also might be necessary to register a spousal support order in that state in order to enforce the judgment.
Alternative forms of resolution may be used to settle spousal support issues between parties. Our alimony lawyers believe in using mediation and arbitration to resolve these issues and to cut down on the financial and emotional toll of going through a separation or divorce.
Based in Bloomfield Hills, The Stroble Law Firm represents clients across Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham Michigan, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. Call The Stroble Law Firm at (888) 454-0801, or contact us online.
More Information: Post-Judgment Modification: Spousal Support and Child Support
