If you are going through a divorce or are about to go through one, having a skilled and experienced Troy, MI alimony lawyer by your side is important to make sure your rights are defended and upheld. Merel Family Law has been helping people with their alimony and other family law issues since 2009 and we know how stressful these times can be and we are here for you.
How Alimony Works In Illinois
In Illinois, alimony is legally referred to as “spousal maintenance.” It can be awarded during the divorce process (temporary maintenance) or after the divorce is finalized (long-term or permanent maintenance). The purpose is to help one spouse become financially independent after the end of the marriage.
The court uses a specific formula to calculate maintenance for most couples whose combined gross income is less than $500,000. The formula subtracts 25% of the receiving spouse’s net income from 33.3% of the paying spouse’s net income. However, the final amount cannot result in the receiving spouse earning more than 40% of the combined net income of both parties.
Judges also consider other factors like the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each person’s financial needs and earning potential.
How Alimony Works In Michigan
In Michigan, alimony is called “spousal support.” Unlike Illinois, Michigan does not have a fixed formula. Instead, the court considers a variety of factors to decide whether support should be awarded, how much, and for how long.
Factors include the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, each person’s ability to work, the division of property, and each spouse’s past conduct during the marriage. Judges have more discretion in Michigan, which can lead to more variability in outcomes compared to Illinois.
Spousal support in Michigan may be temporary or permanent. Temporary support can be awarded while the divorce is still in progress to help one spouse cover their expenses. Permanent or long-term support is typically reserved for longer marriages or when one spouse has limited future earning capacity.
Modifying Or Ending Alimony
In both Illinois and Michigan, alimony can sometimes be modified or terminated if there is a significant change in circumstances. This can include a change in income, job loss, retirement, or the remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse. It’s important to file a formal request with the court if you believe your support order should be changed.
Working With An Attorney Matters
Alimony can affect your financial future for years after your divorce. Whether you expect to receive or pay support, it’s important to understand your rights and how the laws in your state apply to your situation, and to also remember things such as, how divorce will affect retirement accounts you and your ex have together.. A lawyer familiar with the rules in Illinois and Michigan can help you prepare, negotiate, and advocate effectively.
Helping You Move Forward With Confidence
Since our founding, Merel Family Law has helped over 5,500 clients and garnered 100s of five-star Google reviews. We have grown to be 20 attorneys strong with three offices in Illinois and one in Michigan. If you have questions or need help with a family law matter, reach out to us today.
