Spousal Support Lawyer In Livonia, Michigan

Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony in other states, is court-ordered financial assistance provided by a higher-earning spouse during and after a divorce. Spousal support may be appropriate for stay-at-home parents, those with medical challenges and spouses who sacrificed a career for their family.

With over 30 years of family law practice in Livonia and Wayne County, I, Jeanne M. Frazee, have handled many spousal support cases at the Law Offices of Jeanne M. Frazee. Whether you need support or worry about paying, I can help you navigate Michigan family courts.

How Does Michigan Treat Spousal Support?

Michigan law requires full financial disclosures in litigated or disputed spousal support cases, although spouses can also set their own terms through an agreement. The state does not have a specific spousal support formula.

Spousal support often persists for a third of the length of the marriage. The courts look at income and earning potential. Other factors that influence support decisions include:

• The spouse’s financial needs
• The property division settlement
• The age, physical health and mental health of both spouses
• Whether either spouse supports others beyond themselves and their children
• Marital misconduct, if either spouse caused the divorce or impacted marital finances

The amount of spousal support awarded is often between 30% and 40% of the difference between the income of the higher-earning spouse and the spouse requesting support.

The Types Of Michigan Spousal Support

There are four types of spousal support ordered in Michigan, including:

• Temporary support: An order only in effect during the divorce
• Periodic support: Regular payments for a specific amount of time
• Permanent support: Ongoing regular payments, usually after the end of a long-term marriage
• Lump-sum support: A single payment intended to balance unequal financial circumstances

Each marriage leads to unique spousal support terms.

Are Spousal Support Orders Adjustable?

Either spouse can petition the courts to modify the existing spousal support order after a substantial change in circumstances. Good fortune for the recipient spouse or hardship for the paying spouse could warrant the modification of a spousal support order. Spouses can also return to court to enforce a support order or request a review if they discover hidden income.

Get Experienced Spousal Support Representation

Whether you worry about your ability to convince the courts that spousal support is necessary or need assistance responding to a support petition, the Law Offices of Jeanne M. Frazee in Livonia can guide you through the legal process.

If you face divorce in Wayne County or if you need to modify an existing order, you can rely on my decades of experience to guide you through this important financial issue. Schedule your initial consultation today by clicking here or calling 734-234-1868.