Michigan Spousal Support

Spousal support, also called alimony, is one of the most frequently litigated issues in divorce, for a number of reasons. First, it is often difficult for a spouse to comprehend supporting the soon-to-be ex after the marriage ends when in many cases the spouse asking for support is the one wanting to end the marriage, sometimes for no apparent reason, or for one perceived by the potential payor of spousal support as unjust or immoral. In other cases, spousal support may be perceived as punitive, when that is not its true purpose.

The Internet has given rise to many misperceptions regarding spousal support, the most common of these being that alimony is dead; that spousal support is only ordered against the at-fault party; that spousal support runs forever; that spousal support is always awarded against the man and in favor of the woman; and the list goes on. Spousal support determinations tend to be largely subjective, often influenced by a judge’s own personal convictions or biases. Therefore attorneys may struggle to determine just how much spousal support the judge will order. The courts do recognize spousal support guidelines, but these are just that—guidelines—and unlike the child support formula, they are not mandatory. The guidelines, which are incorporated in support calculation software programs also used to determine child support, are based on five of the most readily quantified of 14 factors considered by judges: Length of the marriage; disparity in spouses’ earning powers; education; ages of the parties; and whether the recipient was the primary care provider for the children. The remaining, more subjective factors are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Michigan Spousal Support Statute

The Michigan statute governing spousal support reads:

1. Upon entry of a judgment of divorce or separate maintenance, if the estate and effects awarded to either party are insufficient for the suitable support and maintenance of either party and any children of the marriage who are committed to the care and custody of either party, the court may also award to either party the part of the real and personal estate of either party and spousal support out of the real and personal estate, to be paid to either party in gross or otherwise as the court considers just and reasonable,after considering the ability of either party to pay and the character and situation of the parties, and all the other circumstances of the case. (Michigan Compiled Laws Section 552.23)

When Do Courts Award Spousal Support?

Spousal support awards can compensate the spouse who has rendered services other than wage earning to the marriage (most commonly caring for children, or homemaking for the spouse who is out earning wages or advancing a career during the marriage) and allow that spouse to continue living a lifestyle similar to that enjoyed during the marriage. While this is the ultimate goal, in many cases it is not realistic; often both parties experience a decreased standard of living. Spousal support is also based on the premise that where one spouse sacrifices a career to enable the other spouse to advance, the spouse who has developed earning capacity because of the sacrifices of the other should share the resultant income for a period of time after the marriage ends.

When a long-term marriage ends, spousal support provides income to a former spouse who, due to years of financial dependence on the other, is without support unable to enjoy a comparable standard of living. Spousal support is most appropriate in cases of long-term marriages with a great disparity in earning power. Traditionally, spousal support was paid in cases where a woman was a stay-at-home mother, and the husband went out into the workforce to make a living. However, spousal support is now gender-blind, at least in theory.

There are three types of spousal support in Michigan: alimony in gross, permanent or long term spousal support, and shorter-term rehabilitative spousal support. Spousal support awards are based on 14 factors which are not contained in any statute, but are derived from case law.

In some cases, spousal support is not awarded at the time of entry of judgment, but is reserved for a period of years. In this instance, a party can ask for spousal support if it becomes necessary at a later date. If spousal support is not specifically addressed in the judgment of divorce, it is left open. A judgment of divorce should either clearly award spousal support, bar it completely, or leave it open.

Spousal support can be modified based on changed circumstances unless the parties agree in the judgment that it is non-modifiable.

Sometimes the judgment of divorce requires the payor of spousal support to secure the support obligation with a policy of life insurance naming the payee as beneficiary. Because the present value of a spousal support obligation decreases over time, the amount of coverage required may proportionately decrease as time passes. If the judgment of divorce requires the payor to carry life insurance for this purpose, the judgment should require the payor to periodically furnish proof of life insurance coverage.

I invite you to read more about types of spousal support, the Michigan spousal support factors, and modifying spousal support. An experienced Michigan divorce attorney can be instrumental in assisting you to establish a fair amount of support in your case, whether through negotiation and settlement or at trial. If you need advice with regard to a support matter, I welcome you to contact me for a consultation. Based in Holland, Michigan, I work with divorce clients throughout Ottawa County, including Grand Haven, as well as in Allegan County and throughout the West Michigan Lakeshore Region.