Sparta, MI Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

Your ex wife had a duty to notify you if her employment constituted a significant raise of income to her, assuming you have joint custody of your child. If you do not have joint physical custody of your child, it does not matter that she makes more income - the calculation of a non custodial parent is statutory. If you do have joint physical custody, before making a motion for modification of child support, your counsel, under our local rules must attempt to resolve the matter with your ex prior to filing a motion. The court has the jurisdiction and power to award "reasonable" attorney's fees for having to bring the motion; it is up to the judge to make the decision whether or not to award fees and how much to award.

There is no alimony in Michigan. Rather, there is spousal support if you sacrificed in the marriage to allow your spouse to advance and thus be in a position to make more money.

Generally speaking if a judge has signed your decree of dissolution, and it has been filed with the clerk of the court, your only potential obligation would be to mail a copy of the decree to the opposing party. My experience with what sounds like a default dissolution situation (you filed the petition and supporting documents, he either signed an acceptance of service or was served, he filed no response, and you filed an application and affidavit of default), then the court would have mailed the copy in a self addressed stamped envelope you provided at the default hearing. If the decree includes a provision for a change of your name then you will probably have to get a certified copy of the decree to show to DMV, to get your name changed on your driver's license. It may be that a simple copy of the decree will be sufficient for Social Security. These are positive steps that you have to take to get your name changed on official records her in Arizona.