Alimony in Michigan
State-specific overview · Family Law
Michigan courts award alimony (called "spousal support") based on statutory factors with no fixed formula, and can modify or terminate it based on changed circumstances.
How Michigan treats Alimony
Michigan law does not use a rigid formula; judges consider factors including the length of the marriage, both spouses' earning capacity, age, health, and ability to be self-supporting. Alimony is not automatic and depends on the court's discretion after weighing all relevant circumstances. The court may award alimony for a defined period or indefinitely, and either party can request modification if circumstances change materially. Generally, alimony terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the receiving spouse.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.