Parenting is an around-the-clock obligation. It can be a challenge to balance career demands with the obligations that come with raising a child. In some cases, couples reach the conclusion that having one spouse stay home to raise the children is more cost-effective and beneficial for the children in the long run.
One spouse might stop working entirely or may only work part-time. They might deprioritize career development for the sake of their children and their spouse’s career. In those cases, the stay-at-home parent or spouse who focused on the family more than their job could be at a disadvantage if a divorce occurs.
Can they count on the courts to automatically grant them spousal support, also known as alimony?
Spouses must request support during divorces
Child support is an automatic obligation when parents start living separately. The state looks at the allocation of overnight parenting time and the income of both parents to determine what amount of support might be reasonable.
Spousal support is a different matter entirely. Even in cases where one spouse has not worked in years and has no separate property to rely on, they must still petition the courts to request alimony payments. The courts then review family circumstances, including the need for alimony and the ability of the other spouse to pay, when determining the amount of the alimony and the duration of the order.
Stay-at-home parents who have focused on their children’s needs instead of their careers may require support as they work to rebuild their lives financially. Partnering with an attorney familiar with Michigan’s unique statutes can help people follow the right procedures if they require spousal support to live independently during or after a divorce.