It is common for one spouse to earn more money than the other during the marriage. If the marriage ends, it can be difficult for the spouse who earned less money to support themselves now that their spouse’s income is no longer available to them.
Spousal support, or alimony, is often one way for a lesser earning spouse to continue to maintain their lifestyle after their divorce. A Michigan court may require the higher-earning spouse to pay a certain amount each month to the lesser-earner.
How is alimony calculated?
Michigan courts do not use a specific formula to calculate spousal support, as it is decided on a case-by-case basis. However, courts will look at several factors when deciding whether to award spousal support and how much to award. These factors, taken from case law, include the following:
- The length of the marriage.
- Age, health, and income of each spouse.
- Assets/property awarded in the divorce.
- Ability of each spouse to earn a living.
- Standard of living established during the marriage.
- Financial and non-financial contributions made by each spouse to the marriage.
- Conduct of each spouse during the marriage.
What types of alimony available in Michigan?
Alimony can be awarded temporarily or on a more permanent basis depending on the circumstances. While a court is limited on how it can structure a spousal support award, parties can agree to a number of different arrangements and conditions as it relates to support. Some of these are as follows:
- Temporary support: An agreement that can provide support during the divorce proceedings.
- Periodic support: An agreement that can provide support for a specified period of time.
- Permanent: An agreement that can provide support to one party for life.
- Lump sum: An agreement to award troperty or other form of spousal support all at once with no additional payments need to be made.
If you are getting a divorce in Michigan spousal support must always be addressed, even in cases where it is not awarded. To learn more about how spousal support may affect your situation, schedule a free consultation with our office.