When a marriage comes to an end, many decisions must be made, from property division to debt allocation, child custody, and alimony. There are several different types of alimony recognized by Michigan law, depending on the specific circumstances and needs of each couple. For more information and skilled legal advice, work with an Oakland County alimony lawyer at Alan B. Cooper & Associates, PLLC today.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is a financial arrangement established by a court during divorce proceedings. When a lower-earning spouse is awarded alimony, the other spouse pays them financial support that allows them to maintain a similar standard of living to the one they had during the marriage and gives them time to transition into their new reality without financial hardship.
What Are the Different Types of Alimony in MI?
There are four main types of alimony offered in Michigan: temporary, periodic, permanent, and lump sum. Couples are encouraged to hammer out the details of an alimony contract on their own outside of court if possible. However, if the two cannot agree, a court can create a maintenance order to ensure an equitable outcome.
Below is an explanation of each type of alimony recognized in Michigan.
- Temporary: Temporary spousal support is designed to provide financial stability to a spouse during the divorce process. For example, the order may require the higher-earning spouse to continue paying all household bills during the divorce. Once it has been finalized, however, the support will likely expire and may be replaced with a new order.
- Periodic: Periodic spousal support is one of the most common in Michigan and involves the higher-earning spouse making regular payments to the other spouse for a specified period of time. It can be considered rehabilitative and allows the recipient to be financially supported while they go back to school, take training courses, or develop new skills to help them become independent.
- Permanent: Permanent alimony is becoming rarer over time and is generally only awarded to couples who have been married for an extended period of time and where one spouse is likely unable to become financially independent because of their age, health, or a disability.
- Lump sum: Lump sum support involves the higher-earning spouse making a one-time payment to the lower-earning spouse instead of monthly or other recurring payments. Lump sum alimony can be made in cash or in the form of real estate or other personal property. This allows the pair to avoid continuing contact with or obligations to one another after the divorce.
If you are getting divorced, it is important to understand your legal rights and options regarding alimony, regardless of whether you are the higher or lower-earning spouse. To learn more, speak with an experienced attorney at Alan B. Cooper & Associates, PLLC today.