In
Michigan, alimony is referred to as spousal support. Spousal
support is intended to benefit the spouse who has lost his or her financial
support due to the breakup of the marriage. Spousal support may be awarded
for a term of years or to help fund job training or higher education.
Spousal support is not automatic. To determine whether spousal support
is appropriate, the Court considers the following: (1) the past relations and
conduct of the parties; (2) the length of the marriage; (3) the ability of
the parties to work; (4) the source of and amount of property awarded to the
parties; (5) the age of the parties; (6) the ability of the parties to pay
alimony; (7) the present situation of the parties; (8) the needs of the parties;
(9) the health of the parties; (10) the prior standard of living of the parties
and whether either is responsible for the support of others; and (11) general
principles of equity.
Our firm can assist you determining whether you are entitled to spousal
support or whether you will be required to pay spousal support.