Frankfort, MI Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

Alimony in Michigan is based upon a number of factors. A trial court has discretion to award spousal support. In awarding alimony, the court should consider: (1) the past relations and conduct of the parties, (2) the length of the marriage, (3) the abilities of the parties to work, (4) the source and amount of property awarded to the parties, (5) the parties? ages, (6) the abilities of the parties to pay alimony, (7) the present situation of the parties, (8) the needs of the parties, (9) the parties? health, (10) the prior standard of living of the parties and whether either is responsible for the support of others, (11) contributions of the parties to the joint estate, (12) a party?s fault in causing the divorce, (13) the effect of cohabitation on a party?s financial status, and (14) general principles of equity. In addition the alimony is based upon need and ability to pay. Obviously everybody thinks the "need" alimony. The problem is in Michigan very few people can afford to "pay" If her health is good and she has a capacity to work long term alimony is unlikely.

Not without committing bigamy. This is the difference between legal separation and divorce - with a separation you remain married but contract to not have to fulfill certain responsibilities of the marriage, and to have to fulfill others you may not otherwise have (like paying child support). In Nebraska, even after you divorce, you cannot remarry anyone anywhere in the world for 6 months from the date of the Decree, no matter how long you have been separated before becoming divorced.