Spousal Support in Michigan

At our Michigan family law office, we hear many misconceptions about spousal support / alimony in Michigan. Hopefully, we can dispel some of those myths and misconceptions.

Spousal Support in Michigan

• Some people believe that there is no spousal support or alimony in Michigan. That is not true.
• It is often awarded in Michigan divorce and Michigan separate maintenance cases.
• For a fee you can purchase calculator or at MARGINSOFT PROGNOSTICATOR.
  • The Marginsoft Prognosticator offers a free download for thirty days.
  • It can only be used as a GUIDELINE in ESTIMATING spousal support or alimony in Michigan.
  • It is NOT binding in Court.

Can a man get spousal support in Michigan

• Some people believe that spousal support can only be awarded to women in Michigan.  That is also untrue.
• If the factors are met, it can be awarded to either party in a Michigan divorce or a Michigan separate maintenance case.

Must you be married 10 years to get Alimony

• Some people believe that you have to be married at least ten years to receive spousal support or alimony in Michigan.  This is also untrue.
  • There is no specific number of years that one must be married to receive it.
  • However, it is rarely awarded in a short term marriage.

What does the court consider when awarding Spousal Support

Michigan alimony or spousal support laws provide several factors considered by the Court when awarding it:

• The past relations and conduct of the parties
• The length of the marriage
• the ability of the parties to work
• The source and amount of the property awarded to the parties
• The age of the parties
• The ability of the parties to pay alimony
• The present situation of the parties
• The needs of the parties
• The health of the parties
• The prior standard of living of the parties and whether either is responsible for the support of others
• General principles of equity

How much Alimony can I get in Michigan

In Michigan, each case for spousal support  or alimony depends upon the unique factors of the case and the judge assigned to the case.

• There is no formula for
  • determining whether or not it should be awarded.
  • calculating the amount that should be awarded.
  • determining the length of time that it should be awarded for.
• There is no Michigan alimony formula.
  • A program exists that can provide you with a estimate for it.
  • It can only be used as a guideline in estimating Michigan the amount.
  • It is not binding in Court.
• You can purchase a Michigan Spousal Support Calculator at Marginsoft Prognosticator
  • The Marginsoft Prognosticator offers a free download for thirty days.

Modifiable Spousal Support vs. Non-Modifiable Spousal Support

MODIFIABLE SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN MICHIGAN

• If it is awarded at trial, it could ALWAYS be modified.
  • This is a MODIFIABLE award.
  • Which means, if a party has a change in circumstances the amount can change.
  • It also means that it could continue indefinitely.

NON-MODIFIABLE SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN MICHIGAN

• A NON-MODIFIABLE award can be agreed to that is:
  • for a specific monthly dollar amount
  • for a specific period of time.

Many people agree a non-modifiable award so that they know what to expect in the future. If there is a change in circumstances of either party (loss of a job, need for more support, etc.) it cannot change.