However, filing first gives the initiating party the opportunity to ask the court for certain orders before your spouse is told of the divorce proceedings. This is subject to change and depends on a variety of conditions, but it will give you a rough understanding of how spousal support works in Michigan. Select Your County for Lawyers and Other Housing Help, Limited Scope Representation (LSR): A More Affordable Way to Hire a Lawyer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Hearings and Decisions, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to considering the length of the marriage, judges also evaluate the following factors: The amount of alimony dramatically depends on both spouse's incomes. An older person who has not worked during the marriage is more likely to need spousal support. For example, they could be monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. The judge must make findings on each relevant factor if one party requests spousal support. This is just a . The judge may find it reasonable to award spousal support to a party that is receiving largely non-cash assets. You can't use the Do-It-Yourself Divorce forms to ask for spousal support. This sum is paid with pre-tax monies. Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve their legal problems. Unlike with child support, there is no formula that will tell you whether or not you will get spousal support or how much you will get. To stay informed, please check here for any new announcements. Michigan allows for four different types of spousal support. Back in the day, it was entirely up to each family law judge to come up with a child support award they felt was fair. .wnb-bar-button { If no spousal support were to be paid, and one party is enjoying a similar lifestyle that they enjoyed while married, while the other party is living far below the marital lifestyle, spousal support could be applicable. Michigan offers four types of spousal support: temporary. The current living situation of the parties. What effect does cohabitation have on a couples financial situation? In general, for judgments of divorce entered before January 1, 2019, periodic spousal support payments are taxable income to the person receiving the support and deductible for the person paying. For example, in cases where one spouse gave up a career to raise a family or support the other's career, the court may award periodic spousal support for a term that allows the recipient time to develop job skills or finish a degree that will help that spouse become financially independent. /*