Grand Rapids Spousal Support Lawyer

Secure Your Financial Future with Alimony Advocacy

Are you looking for financial support after your divorce? Or are you concerned about your spouse asking you to support them financially after your divorce is complete? Whatever the case may be, our legal team at Brookhills Legal Services can help ensure you understand how spousal support works and that your rights are protected throughout the process. You can count on our Grand Rapids spousal support attorney to provide you with the legal guidance and strong representation you need on your side. 

Contact Brookhills Legal Services for Guidance at (616) 202-3988 Today.

Eligibility for Spousal Support in Grand Rapids

Typically, when you go through a contested divorce, decisions relating to spousal support are left in the hands of the judge. They decide if you or your spouse are entitled to spousal support, how much will be paid, and the length of time it will be paid. We can help build a strong case to give you the best chance of receiving spousal support.

There is a wide range of factors that the court may consider when making a decision about spousal support, including:

• Tax consequences
• Income of each party
• Health/age of each party
• Quality of life in the marriage
• The ability of each party to support themselves
• The length of the marriage

Exploring Different Types of Alimony in Michigan

Throughout the years we have been in practice, we have seen virtually every type of divorce case. Many of our clients have been supported financially for years, only to go through a divorce and have to get back on their feet. Others have been ordered by the court to pay spousal support to their ex-spouse for a number of months or years after a divorce.

There are several types of spousal support, which may be appropriate for your case:

• Temporary support
• Rehabilitative support
• Duration support
• Purpose support

Can Spousal Support Be Modified After the Divorce?

In Michigan, spousal support agreements may be modified after a divorce if there has been a significant change in circumstances for either party. Courts recognize that life circumstances can change over time, and a spousal support arrangement that was reasonable at the time of divorce may no longer be appropriate. This modification can either increase, decrease, or terminate the support payments, depending on the situation.

To request a modification, the party seeking the change must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant shift in either spouse’s income, such as the payer losing their job or the recipient becoming financially self-sufficient. Additionally, changes in health, disability, or the remarriage or cohabitation of the recipient can also justify modification.

A court will carefully review the specifics of the situation to determine whether the requested change is justified. Importantly, modifications cannot be made retroactively—any adjustment will take effect from the time the request for modification is filed, not from when the change in circumstances occurred. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly if a modification is necessary.

It's important to note that not all spousal support agreements are modifiable. If the original divorce decree explicitly states that spousal support is non-modifiable, neither party can seek changes, regardless of their circumstances. Understanding the terms of the original agreement and consulting with an experienced attorney is key when considering a request for modification.

Anyone experiencing a significant change in financial or personal circumstances after a divorce should consult legal counsel to determine whether a modification of spousal support is possible. This ensures the support arrangement continues to meet the needs of both parties fairly and appropriately under Michigan law.

For a free consultation, contact Brookhills Legal Services at (616) 202-3988 Now.