Alimony: Understanding Your Rights And Options

There are many decisions that are made during a marriage that may affect the financial resources and earning potential of one or both spouses going forward.

Alimony, or spousal support, is available as a way to ensure that both spouses have the resources they need and deserve after a divorce.

At Jackman & Kasody PLLC, a Michigan divorce and family law firm, we advocate both on behalf of the clients who are seeking alimony and those opposing requests for alimony. We help our clients in Oakland County, including Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Novi and more, protect their rights and their financial stability.

Factors Considered In Determining Alimony

In Michigan, alimony is decided on a case-by-case basis, giving the court discretion to consider a variety of different factors, including, but not limited to:

• The couple’s standard of living during the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• The income and assets of both parties
• The age and work history of both parties
• The ability of each party to support himself or herself

Alimony awards may be given on a temporary basis, to allow one spouse to get back into the work force or complete his or her education, or it may be a permanent award, which ceases only if the receiving spouse marries again or one of the parties dies.

Our lawyers have more than 60 years of combined divorce and family law experience, as well as in-depth insight into the trends in the local legal community. We build effective, persuasive arguments to support our clients’ goals, ensuring they have the best possible chance of securing the resolution that they are looking for.

Modifying Spousal Support

When circumstances change, divorced people may be able to modify their alimony award to reflect those changes. A change in spousal support, whether a modification or termination, requires either the payor or the payee to demonstrate a change in circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to:

• The payee achieves financial independence
• The payee cohabitates with a significant other
• The payee remarries
• The payor experiences a reduction in income

Our attorneys have extensive experience assisting clients with modifications that help them adjust their support obligations to reflect their current situation.

Discuss Spousal Support With Our Experienced Lawyers

To schedule a free initial consultation with a team of experienced divorce and family law attorneys, contact Jackman & Kasody PLLC at 248-220-6963 or complete this form.