OAKLAND COUNTY ALIMONY LAWYERS – WHAT IS THE LAW?
READ THESE FAQS ON GETTING ALIMONY AWARDED TO YOU OR DEFENDING AGAINST AN ALIMONY CLAIM, OR CONTACT THE SHAW LAW FIRM FOR LEGAL HELP.
When you are facing a divorce and have questions about spousal support, it is important to have the representation of a good divorce lawyer on your side. With offices in Ann Arbor, Plymouth and Novi, The Shaw Law Firm has been providing quality divorce representation for over 30 years. If you are facing a divorce and have questions about alimony, call us for a free phone conference.
Call For A Free Consultation At 248-374-1800.
ATTORNEYS FOR ALIMONY CASES IN NOVI, ANN ARBOR AND PLYMOUTH
Michigan law currently allows a judge to award alimony to a spouse in a divorce. In order to award alimony, a judge must consider eleven factors in determining whether alimony or spousal support should be awarded. Some of the more important factors include:
- Length of marriage,
- Ability of the parties to work;
- The age of the parties;
- The health of the parties;
- Needs of the parties;
- General Principals of equity.
There is no exact length of marriage or age in which a person would be entitled to alimony. Usually a short term marriage (under 10 years) will not be a case in which alimony would be considered unless there are underlying health problems. In addition, a case in which there is a 25 year marriage and the parties are earning similar incomes, the court would most likely not consider an alimony request by either party. In contrast, alimony would most likely be awarded in situations where parties have been married over 10 years and there is a great disparity in the earning abilities of the husband and wife. Spousal support is gender neutral. A wife can be ordered to pay spousal support to a husband based on the factors that the court considers.
There are basically two different types of spousal support. There is rehabilitative alimony, which is designed to bridge the gap between being dependent on marital income and returning to the work force. This could include spousal support for 3 to 4 years, which would allow a spouse to attend college or take refresher courses necessary to reenter the work force.
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The second type of spousal support, which the court may award, is permanent long term spousal support which would end upon the death, remarriage, or cohabitation of the recipient. This is typically a fixed sum on a weekly or monthly basis with no specific end date. Such spousal support is modifiable in the event that there is a change in the party’s circumstances.
An award of spousal support is a very serious issue in a divorce and should not be taken lightly. As such, you should consult with a lawyer if a person is faced with questions about spousal support. It is one of the more complicated areas of matrimonial law.
NOVI ALIMONY AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT ATTORNEYS
Let The Shaw Law Firm help you through the challenges of alimony
Whether your area fighting to receive Alimony, or attempting to defend against an the obligation to pay Alimony, you need experienced legal representation. Establishing or defending claims of Alimony can be very complicated. Each case is unique. We work with a team of independent professionals to evaluate each case on the needs of your particular circumstances, to help determine appropriate levels of spousal maintenance for your particular case.