Accounting For Spousal Support In Michigan
Last updated on June 11, 2025
One spouse might have handled more financial responsibilities, while the other supported the family in their day-to-day lives. When the marriage ends and divorce begins, the spouse who focused on home and family may need financial support.
At Cannon Law PLC, we provide strong representation for couples going through divorce throughout Oakland County. Whether you’re the payor or recipient of spousal support, work with a spousal support attorney who can assert your right to a just support arrangement.
Starting The Spousal Support Process In Michigan
Under Michigan family law, you and your spouse can agree on spousal support terms. A judge will approve this arrangement if it’s sound and fair. If you disagree on the terms, the court can make the final decision. If the matter proceeds to court, a spousal support attorney is essential. Without one, you risk losing fair support or making excessive payments.
How Michigan Courts Award Spousal Support
Courts consider multiple factors when awarding spousal support, including:
- Your and your spouse’s current and future earning ability
- Both your financial needs and health conditions
- Your ages and employment prospects
- Your contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child care
- Length of your marriage and established standard of living
- Each of your financial capacities to provide support
- Conduct during your marriage that impacted finances
- Overall fairness of your property division
Unlike child support, whether you receive or pay spousal support is often unpredictable. For this reason, work with an experienced spousal support attorney. Our firm’s spousal support attorneys can help you present your financial situation in court and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Different Types Of Spousal Support In Michigan
How long spousal support lasts depends on the type of arrangement such as:
- Temporary support: Financial assistance during divorce to maintain stability until the final judgment
- Short-term support: Limited duration payments to help you transition after divorce while gaining education or job skills
- Long-term support: Extended payments following lengthy marriages, often continuing until major life events like retirement
- Permanent support: Ongoing payments with no predetermined end date for cases involving disability or spouses near or beyond retirement age (typically 60-plus years)
Our spousal support attorneys negotiate terms according to your needs. Depending on your agreement, arrangements can be structured as either periodic payments or lump sums.
Modifying Or Eliminating Support? Call An Experienced Lawyer First.
Support modifications depend on whether there’s a major change in circumstances since the original award. This often includes huge changes in either party’s living or financial situation.
Our spousal support attorney can discuss your options for modification or termination. Call us at 248-929-9750 or complete this online form to schedule a consultation at our Birmingham office.