Michigan could award alimony to a person who’s in need of financial assistance from their spouse during a divorce. Each state has different guidelines on who qualifies for alimony and the terms surrounding the amount and duration. The definitions of spousal support and alimony differ in some states, but they mean the same thing in Michigan.
Agreement with your spouse
In most situations, the court will accept an agreement on alimony that you negotiate with your former spouse. The court may reject the agreement, however, if it deems it unfair. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in Michigan can specify how much one spouse will pay alimony to the other and for how long. These contracts usually hold up in court as long as they are valid.
Initial divorce paperwork
You need to request alimony in your initial divorce paperwork if you want to receive this type of financial support. Filing spouses must state in their divorce petition that they want alimony. Responding spouses must answer the complaint about divorce. If you receive an alimony request with a complaint about divorce, you must file an answer to the complaint that also includes your disagreement on the request for alimony.
Other factors
Each spouse’s conduct while in the marriage influences a judge’s decision. If one spouse cheated, then this might influence whether they pay or receive alimony. How the couple wants to divide their marital property also affects alimony decisions. Michigan judges also look at the spouses’ ability to work, their age, their health, and their financial situation.
You could qualify for spousal support in Michigan if you can prove that you need financial assistance and that your former spouse has the ability to pay. Whether your marriage was short-term or long-term, it’s possible for you to receive alimony.
