There are several issues to consider when couples divorce. Custody arrangements, child support and property division are all a part of untangling a marital relationship.
One concern for many spouses is whether they will have the financial resources to support themselves when the marriage ends.
What is the purpose of alimony?
Michigan family law courts aim to ensure that after a divorce, both parties can maintain a standard of living similar to the one they had while married. In some marriages, one person was the primary breadwinner and the other earned a lower wage or was financially dependent on the other. Without alimony, that spouse could easily fall into poverty. Therefore, it closes the gap until such a time when the spouse can become self-sufficient.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to determining alimony or whether it will even be awarded. Instead, the courts consider a variety of factors, including:
- The duration of the marriage. Longer marriages are more likely to result in alimony awards as one spouse may have sacrificed a career to raise a family, making it more likely they are dependent upon their employed spouse.
- Age and health of both spouses, especially if one has medical conditions that limit their ability to work.
- The earning capacity of each spouse, such as job skills, work history, current income and opportunities for education or job training.
- The standard of living the couple had during the marriage.
Not only do the courts determine the amount of alimony, but they can also specify how long it will last. There are a few types of alimony, including:
- Temporary alimony is awarded for a specific period of time to allow the receiving spouse to gain education or skills and find employment.
- Permanent alimony is typically only awarded in long-term marriages when the receiving spouse is elderly or has health conditions preventing them from becoming self-supporting.
If you believe you should receive alimony as part of your divorce settlement, it’s essential to have someone help you gather the necessary documents and present a compelling argument as to why you need and deserve spousal support.