Protecting Your Financial Future Under Michigan Law
Spousal Support Lawyers in Ann Arbor & Tecumseh
Navigating spousal support (alimony) in Michigan can be intimidating—especially in the midst of a challenging divorce. Emotions often run high, and the uncertainty about your financial future can add significant stress. At Stimpson & Associates, we draw on over 22 years of family law experience to help individuals in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh secure fair, lasting support solutions.
We excel at both negotiation and litigation, ensuring that your rights are protected and your financial future remains stable. Whether you’re requesting spousal support or disputing an unjust demand, our seasoned attorneys will guide you toward a favorable outcome while offering compassion and understanding throughout the process.
Protect your finances—Schedule Your Consultation Today.
What Is Spousal Support in Michigan?
Under MCL 552.23[1], Michigan courts may award spousal support when it’s “just and reasonable,” ensuring neither spouse faces undue financial hardship following divorce. Unlike child support, no fixed formula governs these awards. Instead, judges consider various factors, such as income disparity, length of marriage, and each spouse’s contributions to the family. For those unfamiliar with the legal system, this can feel overwhelming, adding to the already high emotional toll of divorce. Having a trusted legal ally who understands both the legal and personal challenges can make a world of difference.
Rely on our proven expertise—Contact our team.
Factors That Influence Spousal Support in Michigan
Michigan courts assess multiple aspects to determine whether spousal support is warranted, and in what amount. Understanding these can help ease the anxiety about the future:
- Length of Marriage: Longer marriages typically result in higher or longer-duration support.
- Income & Earning Potential: The court reviews current earnings, job prospects, and potential for future growth.
- Property Division: Assets assigned to each spouse may reduce or eliminate the need for additional support.
- Age & Health: Medical conditions or disabilities can justify higher or extended payments.
- Past Conduct: While Michigan divorces are no-fault, misconduct causing financial harm can affect support.
- Marital Standard of Living: Courts strive to help both parties maintain a lifestyle comparable to what was enjoyed during the marriage.
- Non-Financial Contributions: Homemaking, childcare, and emotional support carry substantial weight.
These factors can create uncertainty and stress—our experienced attorneys will ensure all relevant details are presented so you feel informed and supported.
Secure a just outcome—Schedule Your Consultation.
Types of Spousal Support in Michigan
Temporary (Pendente Lite) Support
- Keeps household expenses covered while the divorce is pending.
- Allows the lower-earning spouse to maintain stability during the proceedings and reduces the immediate stress of paying daily bills.
Rehabilitative (Periodic) Support
- Assists a spouse in developing marketable skills, completing education, or re-entering the workforce.
- Commonly awarded when one spouse set aside career aspirations to support the family or the other spouse’s career, which can be a deeply personal sacrifice that deserves recognition.
Permanent Support
- Reserved for long-term marriages or situations where a spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, health, or disability.
- Can conclude upon retirement or other significant life changes if terms are modifiable. We understand the emotional weight of needing long-term help—our team treats these sensitive matters with respect and empathy.
Lump-Sum Support
- A one-time payment in cash or property.
- Helpful when a clean financial break is preferred or if the paying spouse can cover a larger upfront sum. This can alleviate the ongoing anxiety of monthly payments and provide a sense of closure.
Take control of your finances—Schedule Your Consultation Today.
Modifying and Terminating Spousal Support
Under MCL 552.13, spousal support orders can be changed when “substantial change in circumstances” is demonstrated, unless the parties agreed to a non-modifiable arrangement. Life can be unpredictable—job loss, retirement, or a serious health diagnosis can suddenly alter your financial reality. We know these challenges can be emotionally draining, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Spousal support typically terminates upon:
- Death of either spouse.
- Remarriage of the recipient (unless stated otherwise in the judgment).
- A designated end date is specified in the divorce decree.
We’re here to help you adapt to life’s changes—Schedule Your Consultation.
Enforcement of Spousal Support
Failing to comply with a court-ordered spousal support arrangement can lead to severe legal consequences under MCL § 750.165, including:
- Felony Charges with the possibility of up to four years in prison.
- Income Withholding from the payor’s wages.
- Contempt of Court leading to fines or jail time.
- Show Cause Hearings mandating the payor to explain non-payment.
Unpaid support can cause tremendous frustration and hardship for recipients, while unexpected financial strain can overwhelm payors. At Stimpson & Associates, we provide focused legal strategies to ensure you receive the payments you’re owed—or a fair reevaluation if your circumstances have changed.
How Stimpson & Associates Can Assist
At Stimpson & Associates, our comprehensive approach to spousal support covers every angle—from filing initial petitions and negotiating settlements to litigating complex cases and pursuing enforcement. We recognize the emotional toll these proceedings can take and strive to deliver both practical solutions and peace of mind for our clients.
- Thorough Case Evaluation: We explore all relevant factors—like marital contributions, future earning potential, and health considerations—to build a strong claim that addresses both financial and emotional needs.
- Strategic Negotiation & Litigation: Our lawyers excel at achieving favorable settlements but are fully prepared to litigate if the opposing side isn’t cooperative.
- Personalized Guidance: We keep your unique goals and concerns front and center, offering empathy, respect, and professional insight at every stage of your case.
Rely on our extensive experience—Schedule Your Consultation.
Why Choose Stimpson & Associates?
Proven Expertise
Leverage our 22+ years of family law experience in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh. We’ve successfully handled a wide range of spousal support issues, from temporary to complex permanent orders, always with our clients’ well-being in mind.
Client-Centered Advocacy
We believe in open communication, clear guidance, and strategic legal planning—ensuring you stay informed and confident throughout your case. We also understand the emotional weight of these decisions and provide compassionate support every step of the way.
Track Record of Success
Our positive client testimonials reflect our dedication to achieving just outcomes and providing the emotional reassurance many people need during one of life’s most challenging transitions.
Trust our family law proficiency—Schedule Your Consultation.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Join our list of successful clients. Start your journey with us.
My wife and I worked with Jessica Kelly to rewrite and update our estate documents. Jessica was thoughtful, caring, articulate and professional and showed a thorough understanding of issues we faced. She worked carefully and patiently with us to produce a document that we feel will serve us well. Without reservation, we would recommend her services to others.
Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy and Stimpson Law helped us every step of the way. They were understanding, caring, and showed compassion while handling our legal matters. We are so appreciative of the entire office and highly recommend them.
Mr. Stimpson and his colleagues were so kind and very polite and helpful, when I was going through my divorce. They took the time and patience to explain everything in detail to my understanding. I would refer Stimpson & Associates to anyone who needs lawyer services.
I wish I could give Stimpson and his team more than five stars! Stimpson was my attorney for a drawn-out and emotional case. He kept me level-headed, focused, and most importantly, prepared. I genuinely appreciate his advice, his honesty, and his straightforward attitude. My fight was his fight and that was evident in the courtroom. Stimpson was worth every single penny! A BIG thank you to him and his team!
Ready to Safeguard Your Financial Future?
Call Stimpson & Associates today or email our office to schedule a confidential consultation about your spousal support concerns. Our knowledgeable team will explain your legal options and chart a path to the best resolution—whether you’re seeking alimony, contesting an unfair request, or modifying an existing order. We’re here to offer the legal strength and personal understanding you need to move forward.
Ann Arbor Office:
Address: 230 Collingwood Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Phone: (734)-707-9455
Tecumseh Office:
Address: 108 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, MI. 49286
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Phone: (517)-423-0999