Alimony and Spousal Support in Michigan
How Michigan decides spousal support (alimony), the factors courts weigh, and how marital property is divided.
Short answer: The court may award spousal support if the property awarded is not enough for the suitable support of a spouse and the children in their care. MCL 552.23; MCL 552.13
| Alimony (spousal support) | The court may award spousal support if the property awarded is not enough for the suitable support of a spouse and the children in their care. Support may be paid in a lump sum or otherwise, as the court considers just and reasonable, after considering each spouse's ability to pay, the character and situation of the parties, and all other circumstances. Temporary support may be ordered while the case is pending. The court may end alimony when the recipient remarries, unless the judgment says otherwise. The statute sets no formula for amount or length. Source: MCL 552.23; MCL 552.13 |
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| Dividing property | Michigan is an equitable distribution state. On divorce, annulment or separate maintenance, the court may restore to either spouse all or part of the property that came to them through the marriage, or award its value in money, as it finds just and reasonable. The court may also award a spouse all or part of property owned by the other spouse, as is equitable, if the spouse contributed to acquiring, improving or accumulating it. If the property awarded is not enough to support a spouse and the children in their care, the court may award more of the other spouse's property. The statutes reviewed do not define separate property. |
Where to get help in Michigan
More Michigan divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Michigan
- Adopting a Child in Michigan
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Michigan
- Establishing Paternity in Michigan
- Changing Your Name in Michigan
- Child Custody Laws in Michigan
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Michigan
- Divorce Records in Michigan
- How to File for Divorce in Michigan
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Michigan
- All Michigan divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How is alimony decided in Michigan?
The court may award spousal support if the property awarded is not enough for the suitable support of a spouse and the children in their care. Support may be paid in a lump sum or otherwise, as the court considers just and reasonable, after considering each spouse's ability to pay, the character and situation of the parties, and all other circumstances. Temporary support may be ordered while the case is pending. The court may end alimony when the recipient remarries, unless the judgment says otherwise. The statute sets no formula for amount or length.
Is Michigan a community property state?
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. On divorce, annulment or separate maintenance, the court may restore to either spouse all or part of the property that came to them through the marriage, or award its value in money, as it finds just and reasonable. The court may also award a spouse all or part of property owned by the other spouse, as is equitable, if the spouse contributed to acquiring, improving or accumulating it. If the property awarded is not enough to support a spouse and the children in their care, the court may award more of the other spouse's property.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.