Sterling Heights, MI Lawyer Works to Help Clients Obtain Fair Spousal Support Terms in Their Divorce

Alimony is designed to ensure that someone who relied on their spouse’s income can meet their financial needs following the end of their marriage. The spousal support attorney at the Law Offices of Kevin R. Lynch P.L.C. in Sterling Heights helps divorcing Michigan residents get the support they need to maintain their quality of life. We are equipped to handle both tough litigation and amicable negotiations. Whether you need legal assistance to obtain spousal support, challenge your spouse’s request for payments, or modify an existing support order, our firm provides sound advice and advocacy.

Factors Considered by Michigan Judges When Making Spousal Support Determinations

One of the most common questions we get from clients in divorce cases is how spousal support is determined. There is no set formula that is used. When considering the terms of an alimony order, the court considers a variety of factors, such as:

• Length of the marriage
• Prior relations and conduct of the spouses
• Ability of each spouse to work and earn a suitable income
• Each spouse’s age
• The parties’ contribution to the marital estate
• Each spouse’s health, including whether a disability prevents them from working
• The needs of each spouse The parties’ current financial circumstances
• Whether a party was at fault for the divorce
• The ability of the potential paying party to provide spousal support
• The parties’ standard of living during the marriage
• The source and amount of assets each spouse received in the divorce
• How cohabitation with a new partner affects one or both parties’ financial status
• Whether the spouses support other dependents
• General principles of equity

Our experienced spousal support attorney will help you understand how these factors and others apply to your individual circumstances if your alimony matter goes to court.

Experienced Family Lawyer Pursues Equitable Alimony Awards for Clients

In Michigan, divorcing spouses can negotiate their own alimony agreements. Whether the parties reach a consensus and submit it for court approval or they leave the decision to the judge, the four types of alimony the court may award are:

Temporary — While the divorce is pending, temporary support can be awarded to allow the economically dependent spouse to meet their needs until the marriage is dissolved and assets are divided.

Limited-duration — If a spouse needs education or training to secure suitable employment, limited-duration alimony provides regular payments for a fixed amount of time until he or she can support themselves financially.

Lump-sum — In some cases when the paying spouse has enough assets, the court will award a one-time amount rather than periodic payments to the spouse seeking support.

Permanent — Sometimes permanent support is awarded when a dependent spouse is elderly, disabled, or has health problems that make them unable to work. Our spousal support attorney will advocate for a fair alimony award for you that takes into account all the factors of your unique situation.

Efficient Law Firm Assists with Modifications to Support Orders

As financial or other life circumstances change, divorced spouses may wish to modify alimony agreements or support orders. We can help you petition a court to change an order when a change in income, job loss, disability, or new relationship justifies an adjustment.

Contact a Trustworthy Michigan Spousal Support Attorney For a Free Consultation

At the Law Offices of Kevin R. Lynch P.L.C. in Sterling Heights, we help Michigan clients handle spousal support issues, including proposed modifications to existing orders. To schedule a free consultation, call our family law firm at 586-336-1088 or contact us online.