Birmingham Spousal Support Attorney

Assisting Clients With Spousal Support Matters in Michigan

Navigating the complexities of divorce can be very overwhelming, especially when it comes to matters of spousal support. If you're going through a divorce, having a knowledgeable and experienced Birmingham spousal support attorney by your side is crucial. At the Law Firm of Victoria, P.C., we are dedicated to providing clear guidance and robust representation to ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the spousal support process.

Call the Law Firm of Victoria, P.C. today at (248) 780-1775 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our spousal support attorney in Birmingham.

What is Spousal Support?

Spousal support, formerly known as alimony in Michigan, is money paid to the former spouse for his or her support. Our firm has extensive experience resolving issues of alimony. Whether it is long-term spousal support or short-term spousal support, our attorneys will identify your situation and needs to provide you with estimates under a number of different scenarios and offer guidance for moving forward.

Types of Spousal Support in Michigan

Understanding these types can help you know what to expect and what you may be entitled to or obligated to pay.

• Temporary Support: This type of spousal support is awarded during the divorce process. It aims to maintain the status quo until the final divorce decree is issued. Temporary support ensures that the lower-earning spouse can meet their immediate financial needs while the divorce is ongoing.
• Rehabilitative Support: This form of support is designed to help the recipient's spouse become financially independent. It is typically awarded for a set period, during which the recipient may pursue education, training, or career advancement. The goal is to enable the recipient to gain the skills necessary to support themselves without long-term assistance.
• Permanent Support: In cases where the marriage was long-term, and the recipient spouse is unlikely to achieve self-sufficiency because of age, health, or other factors, the court could award permanent spousal support. This support continues until the recipient remarries, either party dies, or the court orders a modification based on changed circumstances.
• Lump-Sum Support: Instead of periodic payments, the court may order a one-time, lump-sum payment. This type of support is often used to simplify the financial arrangement between the parties and to avoid ongoing interactions.
• Reimbursement Support: This type of support is less common but can be awarded when one spouse contributed significantly to the other’s education or career advancement, expecting to benefit from the enhanced earning capacity. Reimbursement support compensates the contributing spouse for their investment in the other’s future.

How Do Michigan Courts Determine Alimony?

The court considers the following when awarding alimony:

• The past relations and conduct of the parties;
• The length of the marriage;
• The ability of the parties to work and their respective income;
• The source and amount of property awarded to the parties;
• The age of the parties;
• The ability of the parties to pay spousal support;
• The present situation of the parties;
• The needs of the parties;
• The health of the parties;
• The prior standard of living of the parties and whether either is responsible 
  for the support of others and
• General principles of equity.

Alimony Awards and Modifications: What You Need to Know

A judgment of divorce must either award spousal support, expressly reserve the issue, or state that neither party is entitled to spousal support. Spousal support may be modified on a showing of a change in circumstances that warrants modification unless the parties agree to non-modifiable spousal support.

Contact Our Birmingham Spousal Support Attorney Today

Securing fair spousal support is a crucial aspect of divorce proceedings. Our Birmingham spousal support lawyer can provide the guidance and representation needed to navigate this challenging process. At the Law Firm of Victoria, P.C., we are committed to advocating for your best interests and ensuring that you receive a fair and just spousal support arrangement.

Consultations are available in-person and by phone for FREE.