How Do Michigan Courts Determine Alimony Payments?

Alimony Attorney

When deemed appropriate by a judge, a person is awarded alimony or spousal support as a condition of a divorce. Sometimes, people mistakenly think that alimony is automatically awarded to the spouse who earns less, but that’s not the case in Michigan. The Michigan Court of Appeals has determined that spousal support must be determined on a case-by-case basis and abolished the use of a formula adopted by lower courts.

Spousal support ensures financial stability for a spouse who earns significantly less than their counterpart. Judges consider multiple factors when determining alimony, such as the behavior of both parties while married, the ability of both parties to work, the financial history of the marriage, and more. 

Alimony is frequently awarded when one spouse has historically been the breadwinner while the other stays home to care for the children and the house. Judges can determine whether alimony is permanent or temporary and will decide after reviewing all the facts surrounding the divorce.

Sometimes, one spouse will petition the court for alimony because they do not want to experience a change in the lifestyle afforded to them while married. In these instances, the other spouse will want to work with an experienced attorney to help the judge understand how alimony payments will impact their ability to remain current with their existing bills.

If you are a man going through a divorce, it’s important to seek a divorce law firm with a track record of successfully representing other men in divorce cases. Gerkin & Decker, PC's lawyers, have worked diligently to protect men's rights in all family law matters since 1988. Ideally, both spouses can come to an agreement or compromise regarding financial matters, but that doesn’t always happen, and in these cases, expert legal representation is necessary. Whether you’re just beginning a divorce or dissatisfied with your current representation, contact us today to schedule a consultation with an attorney prepared to fight for what’s best for you and your children.

Things to Consider Before Moving Out in a Divorce

Quarrels and misunderstandings may lead to divorce. The action may bring negative and positive consequences for both divorcees. Also, unfaithful and cheating behaviors may result in the collapse of marriage. Leaving each other after a divorce is a...

Who Gets the House in a Divorce?

When couples divorce, they have a lot of questions. It doesn't help that many of those questions don't have easy answers. The home is typically the most valuable object that two people can share together, so the stakes are high. Plus, the...

Top 3 Mistakes Men Make in Divorce

No one goes into a marriage expecting divorce; divorce, however, is a process that tests people and their limits, and it’s difficult to navigate with a calm head. If you find yourself going down this road, do yourself two favors: hire an...

Rights for Fathers Seeking Full Custody

Generally, a father has the same right to full custody of a child as the child’s mother. Men technically don’t face greater challenges when trying to achieve full custody. However, the man has historically been the “breadwinner” in American...

Can a Signed Settlement Agreement Not Be Enforced?

A signed settlement agreement is a powerful document requiring the demonstration of an extreme condition to render it null and void. If a party wishes to withdraw from the settlement, they must prove fraud, duress, coercion, or unconscionability....

How to Request a Change to Your Custody Agreement

If your current custody agreement isn't working for you, you may be wondering about making changes to the custody agreement. However, unless you and your ex-spouse agree to the changes and both agree to modify the agreement, you must go through...

What Should Men Do to Prepare for Divorce?

While no one enters a marriage thinking it’ll end, the sad fact is that many marriages will not succeed, and many men will experience the pain and stress of a divorce at some point. While the emotional impact can be immediate and...

How Does a Prenuptial Agreement Affect a Divorce?

Over the years, a fair amount of negativity has been associated with prenuptial agreements. When family members learn that their loved one has been asked to sign an agreement before marriage, they often see that as a red flag and quickly turn...

3 Tips for a More Amicable Divorce

Divorce is often contentious, but it doesn’t always have to be. At Gerkin & Decker, PC., We specialize in working with men during the divorce process, and we have extensive experience handling all aspects of divorce, including alimony,...

What Rights Do Non-Custodial Parents Have?

Divorce is always difficult. When a divorce involves children, it hurts not only the children but also has a significant emotional impact on the parents. When children are involved, courts make custody decisions based on various factors. Judges...

How Can I Appeal a Custody Decision?

Child custody cases are tough on families. There’s so much at stake, and when one party doesn’t agree with the court's decision, they often wonder if they have any options. Michigan law allows chief circuit court judges to appoint a domestic...
Page: 12 - All
Before you take action, speak with an experienced divorce attorney
Request a Confidential Consultation
* Indicates required questions
Name *
First
Last
Email *
Phone # *
Briefly Describe Your Situation *
Preferred Method of Communication
Telephone Email
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.