Michigan Spousal Support Lawyer for Alimony Resolution
Empowerment begins with education. Wilson Kester is here to help you understand the complexities of support, and provide you with proper guidance.
Experienced Spousal Support Guidance
Spousal support can have a lasting impact on your financial stability after a divorce. Whether you’re concerned about making payments or relying on support moving forward, the outcome can shape your lifestyle, income, and long-term planning.
At Wilson Kester, our experienced Michigan spousal support lawyers provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to your unique situation. We take the time to understand your financial circumstances, explain your options, and advocate for you and your family’s best interest. Contact us today to begin moving forward with confidence.
What Is Spousal Support?
Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, is financial support that may be awarded to one spouse during or after a divorce to help ensure financial stability and, where possible, a path toward independence. Courts may award support when one party demonstrates a need for assistance and the other has the ability to pay.
Unlike child support, which is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula, there is no fixed formula or statutory guideline that determines the amount or duration of spousal support. Instead, Michigan courts evaluate a wide range of factors and apply judicial discretion to reach a result that is fair and reasonable based on the unique circumstances of each case.
Because every marriage and financial situation is different, spousal support decisions are highly individualized. Courts aim to balance the incomes, needs, and resources of both parties in a way that avoids leaving either party at a significant financial disadvantage following the divorce.
Important Questions to Ask When Worried about Spousal Support:
Regardless of the couple, three important questions should be considered when trying to determine alimony:
1) What is each party’s after-tax spendable dollar?
2) What are each party’s actual needs, considering both needs to survive and to maintain the lifestyle that was enjoyed during the marriage?
3) What amounts of spousal support, if any, would allow both parties to meet their needs in a way that would not impoverish either party?
We can collaborate with you to be prepared to answer these questions through an evaluation of your facts and identification of the evidence you need to present your case in the most favorable light for the most favorable outcome in your situation.
When Can a Party Be Awarded Spousal Support?
After a divorce is filed, it may be appropriate to file a motion for temporary spousal support to ensure that their daily living necessities are met while a divorce case is pending. Such awards will often seem unfair because the objective is not to balance lifestyles and instead focuses on ensuring that basic needs are being met while the case is pending.
We regularly help clients secure temporary spousal support while a case is pending and can guide you in structuring a request that supports your financial stability during the divorce process. We regularly navigate obtaining much-needed help while a case is pending and would welcome the opportunity to help you fashion your request for temporary spousal support to ensure your well-being while going through divorce. A common mistake occurs when a party presumes that the amount of temporary spousal support awarded is an indicator of the spousal support award to be ordered in the Judgment of Divorce. That is not often the case. The advice of an attorney is essential to evaluate your temporary spousal support claim as well as the likelihood of spousal support in the Judgment granting your divorce.
Changes to Spousal Support
A party receiving or ordered to pay spousal support may be able to request changes to the award due to certain life events. On the other hand, parties may often choose to negotiate away the court’s ability to change a spousal support award through non-modifiable spousal support. While there is some comfort that comes with certainty of the amount to be received and paid, it is essential that considerable thought be given to waiving the court’s ability to modify spousal support given that circumstances could later change that strongly dictate the need for a modification.
What Happens If Someone Stops Paying
The obligation to pay for spousal support is frequently outlined in a Uniform Spousal Support Order. Spousal Support awards are also contained within the Judgment of Divorce. Each of these Orders are enforceable. Uniform Spousal Support Order will be enforced by the Friend of the Court, commonly with less urgency than if you were to seek enforcement directly through the Court. Let’s talk about your options to enforce your award or how to respond to a Motion for Order to Show Cause if you have fallen behind in your support obligations.
It all Starts with Our FREE Initial Case Assessment – Call Now
Take control of your future with a Wilson Kester Initial Case Assessment. Our knowledgeable and approachable team is ready to guide you through the next steps. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—contact Wilson Kester today and start your journey toward a brighter future!
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Contact UsBecome part of the over 5,000 satisfied clients who have trusted us with their divorce and family law matters.
Contact UsOur experienced Client Experience Coordinators are ready to help you.
Contact UsBecome part of the over 5,000 satisfied clients who have trusted us with their divorce and family law matters.
Contact UsGetting Help With Spousal Support
Empowerment begins with education. It is not too early to learn how alimony might impact your situation, the evidence you should gather, and your ability and/or exposure with respect to the issue of spousal support. Our team of experienced Michigan spousal support lawyers are here to help you understand the complexities of support. Contact us today to receive proper guidance through a free initial assessment.
