Copyright © 2023 Wood & Associates PLLC. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: The information contained in the website is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice.
Alimony in Michigan
Handle Your Alimony Case Civilly
If you’re going through a divorce, you’ve probably had to think about alimony. If you were the breadwinner in your marriage, you may be worried about losing valuable assets in the divorce. If you stayed at home, you might be worried about how your lifestyle will have to change after you sign the papers.
Don’t let these fears keep you up at night. We can help you navigate the legal process and give you peace of mind.
Five things to know about alimony: Alimony exists for a reason. If one partner puts their career on hold to raise children or take care of the home, they will be significantly far behind their peers professionally. Here are a few things to know about alimony before you meet with an attorney:
- Alimony fills the gap between the income the lesser-earning spouse used to rely on and the income he or she makes now.
- Alimony is determined based on the financial need of the receiving spouse and the ability of the supporting spouse to pay.
- Unlike child support, alimony is considered taxable income.
- If you remarry, you may no longer be eligible to receive alimony payments.
- When complications arise, like a disability or illness during the marriage, it’s especially important that you get a lawyer involved to discuss your financial support options.
Call us today and we can help you figure out your alimony requirements.
I can't say enough about how above and beyond Brigette Booser went for our family when we were in need of her legal counsel. She was very professional, compassionate, attentive, and incredibly intelligent."
Questions you may be asking:
How long do we have to be married to qualify for alimony?
There is no set time for how long you must be married to qualify for alimony/spousal support in Michigan. There are several factors that need to be considered when it comes to an award of alimony. Two major ones relate to the health of the parties and the need of the parties. That being said, there is a general rule of thumb right now that says if you have been married for less than 5 years, then it is unlikely that the court will award alimony/spousal support.
Is there a formula to determine the amount of alimony I receive?
There is no formula for how much alimony/spousal support you may receive. There are 14 factors that the court may consider when awarding or denying alimony/spousal support.
Is alimony the rest of my life?
The circumstances of your case will control. There is a trend moving away from what is known as Permanent Alimony/Spousal Support within the courts. Spousal support can be limited in years, modifiable, non-modifiable, unlimited. There is just no way to understand what alimony/spousal support will be without a direct look at the circumstances of your case.