Permanent alimony is rarely offered but there are some instances where spousal support may be court-ordered for an indefinite period of time. Contact an Oakland County alimony lawyer to discuss your spousal support options during your divorce.

How is Alimony Calculated?

Alimony is designed to offer a fair arrangement to both parties. The payments should be high enough to ensure the receiving spouse is taken care of but low enough to avoid financial hardship for the paying spouse.

A Michigan court will consider various factors before determining whether or not alimony is needed and how much it should be. They follow a formula that is based on a percentage of the higher-earning spouse’s income. The following are examples of information that a court will take into account when calculating the percentage of income that will be subjected to alimony.

  • How long the couple was married for
  • The age of each party
  • The health of each party
  • The income and earning potential of each party
  • The outcome of asset and property division during the divorce
  • Contributions made by either party to the other

Once these factors are thoroughly examined a court will consider which type of alimony is warranted.

Can You Be Awarded Permanent Alimony in MI?

There are generally four types of alimony awarded in Michigan: temporary, periodic, permanent, and lump sum. While permanent alimony is an option, it does not necessarily mean that the spousal support obligation will never end. Any alimony obligations are considered null and void with the death of either spouse, but the length of time the payments last will vary depending on the type of support. Below are each of the alimony types outlined.

Temporary alimony is ordered by the court for a short period of time while the couple gets divorced. It can be made available to spouses who cannot financially support themselves during the separation or divorce process and probably expires once the divorce is finalized. A new alimony order may be placed upon its termination.

Periodic alimony is one of the most commonly awarded types of spousal support in Michigan. It is seen as rehabilitative and applies when the receiving spouse is able to financially support themselves but they need time to get to that point. For example, if one spouse put off schooling to become a homemaker or raise children, periodic alimony may be awarded while they further their education and apply for new jobs.

Permanent alimony is awarded in cases where the couple has been together for an extensive amount of time or the receiving spouse will not be able to become financially stable on their own. This could be due to their age, health status, disability, other responsibilities, etc. Couples who are married for many years or who divorce when they are older may find themselves in a permanent alimony agreement.

Lump sum alimony simply refers to the way in which the spousal support payments are received. In general, alimony is paid on a monthly basis from one spouse to the other. However, the total amount can be paid in one lump sum if the paying spouse can afford to do so. This can be beneficial for both parties if they wish to cut all ties or cease communications with one another.

While permanent alimony is offered it is not exactly what it sounds like. Reach out to a skilled attorney for more specific information during your divorce.