Newly married couples often have to decide whether one or both spouses will financially contribute to the family by working outside of the home. While nowadays more and more people are choosing a dual-income marital lifestyle, there are also many families that rely solely on only one spouse’s income to pay the household expenses. There are also many families where both spouses work, but one brings in significantly more income than the other.
If a couple decides to get divorced, the divorce essentially may force a spouse who is partially or fully depends on their spouse’s income to suddenly become financially independent. In fact, many people stay in unhappy marriages because they know that they will be unable to support themselves without their spouse’s income. However, alimony provides a way for spouses to get the financial support they need while they get back on their feet after a divorce.
Types of alimony available in Michigan
Michigan courts will decide on what type of alimony to award, if any, based on several factors including the length of the marriage, income, education, and job skill levels of both spouses, and any health issues that may prevent a spouse from working. The four types of spousal support available to lesser-earning spouses include:
- Temporary support: Provides support during divorce proceedings until the divorce is finalized.
- Rehabilitative support: Provides short-term support to give spouse opportunity to further education or acquire additional job skills.
- Permanent support: Provides permanent support to spouse who was in a long-term marriage and is unable to care for themselves due to age, disability, etc.
- Lump sum support: Provides support through one-time payment, rather than monthly payments.
A family law attorney in your area can help determine whether alimony is likely to be awarded in your divorce.