Spousal support, the formal name for alimony in Michigan, is court-ordered financial assistance that one spouse pays another after a divorce. It is not meant to be a permanent obligation but rather a stopgap measure to help the recipient spouse become self-sufficient.
Courts in Michigan consider several factors when determining the necessity and amount of spousal support, including the following.
Spousal support can be awarded as a lump-sum payment or as periodic payments. The choice between these methods depends on the financial situations and preferences of the parties. A lump sum may be suitable in cases where a clean financial break is preferred. Periodic payments, typically monthly, are more common and can be adjusted over time based on changes in circumstances.
The duration of spousal support varies with the circumstances. It can be short-term, lasting just long enough for the recipient to find sufficient income to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Or it can be long-term in cases involving lengthy marriages or significant disparities in earning capacities. Spousal support terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. It can also terminate if the recipient cohabits with another intimate partner and if there is financial interdependence and sharing of expenses between them.
Dawson Family Law, PLLC in Sterling Heights assists Michigan residents in matters relating to spousal support determinations and other aspects of divorce. Please call or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation.