Are You Eligible For Spousal Support Or Must You Pay?
When one spouse has been dependent on the other, a family law judge may expect to see spousal support included in a divorce settlement. The spouses should ideally decide on support amounts before they get to family law court because they know their family finances better than anyone else.
Discuss detailed aspects of your coming divorce settlement with an experienced divorce lawyer. Brandon Gardner & Associates has a strong reputation in Kent County and beyond. From our law office in Grand Rapids, we serve clients throughout the area. We are here to make your Michigan divorce less damaging and more realistic in terms of your financial status, needs and goals.
Will Spousal Support Be Included In Your Michigan Divorce?
Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other spouse during and/or after a divorce or separation. It is usually based on factors such as:
- The length of the marriage
- The earning capacity of each spouse
- The standard of living that has been established during the marriage.
The purpose of spousal support is to help the receiving spouse continue a lifestyle similar to the one experienced during the marriage and maintain financial stability post-divorce.
In theory, spousal support is optional. You and your spouse may decide, during negotiations or mediation, to achieve equitable property division in divorce in some other way, such as by granting one spouse the entire marital home. Various factors go into the determination of how much one spouse should pay to the other for support, but these can be tailored to each unique marriage and divorce. For example, child support obligations, property division settlements and special needs such as a spouse’s disabilities may be taken into account.
Call 616-366-9045 For Help Determining Spousal Support Amounts
Do you expect to pay or receive spousal support during or after your spousal support? Let our family law attorneys help ensure that your payments or received support is fair in light of your financial well-being and your lifestyle during your marriage.
To schedule a consultation about your divorce and related concerns, call Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC, at 616-366-9045 or send an email inquiry.