Family Law Solutions For Your Future

How Does Spousal Support Work?

Spousal support, formerly called alimony in Michigan, can be awarded under specific circumstances in Michigan divorce and Michigan separate maintenance cases. There is no specific mathematical Michigan alimony formula for determining whether or not spousal support should be awarded. Rather, each case for spousal support is dependent upon the unique factors of the case and the judge assigned to the case. No two cases are the same, and it is not uncommon for judges to come to completely different decisions based on nearly identical sets of facts.

No matter what side of the alimony issue you are on, your financial security is probably based on the outcome of the settlement or court decision. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. That does not mean that judges don’t take into account who may be at fault for causing the breakup of the marriage, but it also doesn’t mean that one party will bear the brunt of the financial fallout.

When it comes to spousal support, it is important to remember two things:

  • No spouse gets the full amount of alimony requested
  • No spouse will be ordered to pay so much that it leaves him or her destitute

When the future of your financial security is at stake, it can be very intimidating. It is important for clients to help educate themselves about Michigan spousal support laws. You will need to have a firm understanding of the factors that most affect your divorce case and understand that fault is only one out of 14 factors addressed in spousal support cases.

Ask Your Questions About Spousal Support

Contact Quist Law Firm, PLLC, and Courtney Quist can give you a better idea of what to expect from your spousal support case. To schedule a free initial consultation with her office in Grand Rapids, call 616-454-9008 or send the firm an email.