DIVORCE - ALIMONY (SPOUSAL SUPPORT) IN MICHIGAN

Michigan law currently allows a judge to award alimony to a spouse in a divorce. In order to award alimony, a judge must consider eleven factors in determining whether alimony or spousal support should be awarded. Some of the more important factors include:

Length of marriage,
Ability of the parties to work;
The age of the parties;
The health of the parties;
Needs of the parties;
General Principals of equity.

There is no exact length of marriage or age in which a person would be entitled to alimony. Usually a short term marriage (under 10 years) will not be a case in which alimony would be considered unless there are underlying health problems. In addition, a case in which there is a 25 year marriage and the parties are earning similar incomes, the court would most likely not consider an alimony request by either party. In contrast, alimony would most likely be awarded in situations where parties have been married over 10 years and there is a great disparity in the earning abilities of the husband and wife. Spousal support is gender neutral. A wife can be ordered to pay spousal support to a husband based on the factors that the court considers.

There are basically two different types of spousal support. There is rehabilitative alimony, which is designed to bridge the gap between being dependent on marital income and returning to the work force. This could include spousal support for 3 to 4 years, which would allow a spouse to attend college or take refresher courses necessary to reenter the work force.

The second type of spousal support, which the court may award, is permanent long term spousal support which would end upon the death, remarriage, or cohabitation of the recipient. This is typically a fixed sum on a weekly or monthly basis with no specific end date. Such spousal support is modifiable in the event that there is a change in the party's circumstances.

An award of spousal support is a very serious issue in a divorce and should not be taken lightly. As such, you should consult with a lawyer if a person is faced with questions about spousal support. It is one of the more complicated areas of matrimonial law.

GRAND RAPIDS DIVORCE AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT ATTORNEYS

If you are facing a divorce, a good divorce attorney is not optional, it is a requirement! Our divorce attorneys can answer your questions with straight talk. Having the right divorce attorney on your side can relieve your stress during this difficult situation. Our Attorneys have over 85 years of divorce experience.Our attorneys have extensive divorce trial experience including property settlements, spousal support, alimony, child custody, and other serious divorce related issues. Typical fees to retain attorney for a divorce case can range and from 1,500 dollars to as high as 5000 dollars. Considering the seriousness of this life changing event, it is extremely important to retain the services of an experienced attorney in the area of divorce.

Krupp Law Offices P.C.is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the right divorce attorney for you. We represent clients in alldivorce matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia.

Our office can help.

KRUPP LAW OFFICES P.C.

161 Ottawa NW Suite 201

Grand Rapids MI 49503

616-459-6636or krupplaw@sbcglobal.net

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