There are many marriages in which the two spouses are in different financial standings from one another. This tends to happen when one is employed and the other is not. These situations can leave one spouse financially dependent on the other. It is because of this that during divorce proceedings, the court may order alimony. These are payments made from an independent spouse to a dependent spouse in order to provide them with stability until they can do so on their own. If you are seeking alimony in a divorce case, contact an experienced Michigan divorce attorney for assistance.
Types of Alimony in Michigan
When going through a divorce, it is important to understand that there are different ways alimony can be paid to a dependent spouse. When alimony is paid during divorce proceedings, it is known as temporary alimony. This is known as temporary alimony. These payments are generally used for any attorney’s fees that are related to the divorce.
Alimony that is paid after a divorce is permanent alimony. This can be paid for a specific number of years or in installments for the rest of the spouses’ lives. The following are two types of permanent alimony that may be owed in Michigan:
- Periodic alimony: This is paid in installments, usually every month. These payments may occur until a spouse either remarries or passes away. In the event of this, the payments can terminate.
- Alimony in gross: This is a definite, total amount of money that is paid to a dependent spouse in order to pay off the obligation of alimony. These payments may occur if there is a predetermined amount of money to be paid. This can be seen in one lump sum or it may be paid in installments. If paid in installments, it tends to be made in few instead of on a monthly basis.
How is Alimony Determined?
Not all divorces require alimony to be paid. This is because, in some marriages, both parties are self-sufficient and do not need the assistance of their former spouse. However, there are also other cases where it is necessary for at least a period of time. As some spouses do not end their relationship on good terms, it is the decision of the court to order alimony payments if they see fit. In order to determine if alimony is necessary, the court will consider a variety of factors regarding the marriage, including the following:
- The length of the marriage
- The ability of each spouse to support themselves
- The age of both spouses
- The financial capability of a spouse to pay alimony
If the court orders alimony, they will enter an order known as the Uniform Spousal Support Order. This is a document that outlines the length of the award, the amount of the award, and how the independent spouse will pay the dependent spouse.
Contact our Firm
Sometimes, divorce, family, and estate matters are difficult to navigate. Fortunately, they do not have to be with the assistance of a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney who is willing to guide you every step of the way. If you need a seasoned firm to help you with any divorce, family or estate-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact Collis & Griffor today to schedule a consultation.
