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How long do people have to pay alimony?

How long do people have to pay alimony?

  • Alimony, Spousal Support

During a marriage, couples have a certain lifestyle that they are used to living. The lifestyle they may live depends on their interests and other factors, but much of it is controlled by what they can afford. People earn different amounts of income and this can be true between couples as well. Sometimes each spouse may earn similar amounts of money and equally contribute to the couple’s finances, but other times one spouse may earn the majority of the income while the other maintains the home.

Either type of situation may work while the couple is married and sharing all the income that the couple earns. However, if only one spouse earns the majority of the income, it can become an issue if the couple ends up going through a divorce. After the divorce both spouses will no longer have equal access to money and the one who did not earn the income could be left in a difficult financial situation. In these situations, one spouse may be required to pay the other alimony or spousal support as it is also called.

Potential length of alimony obligation

There are generally two different ways that people are required to pay alimony. One is to pay it all at once in a lump sum payment. The other is to make periodic payments either monthly, yearly, or some other length of time.

When people are required to make periodic payments, there will have to be an amount of time that they will need to pay it. It could be a permanent award, which means that they will pay for the other spouse’s lifetime. The other is referred to temporary payments, which means that a set period of time will be ordered. This could be a period of time the spouse will need to complete a degree or gain work experience, until remarriage, until a certain amount is paid, or other ending times.

There are many divorces in Michigan each year and each one is unique. The outcomes depend on the circumstances of the marriage and one issue that is very fact-specific is alimony. It can be a complicated issue and consulting with experienced attorneys could be beneficial.

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“[They] represented me in a very difficult divorce and stood by me through numerous conflicts with my ex-wife after the agreement was final. Annette assisted me in every step of the case preparation, provided outstanding council regarding the financial settlement, anticipated difficult questions from the court and opposing counsel, presented my case professionally and persuasively, and when things got tough this woman became a velvet hammer! Annette maintained her professional edge at all times as she politely, yet forcefully pummeled the opposing counsel’s arguments. It’s clear that she has earned the respect of Judges. This respect and her credibility benefited me and my position during difficult litigation and in the decisions made by the Judge. Over the years since my divorce was final, Annette has promptly responded to my post judgment requests for support and frankly, she has never failed me. Great advice, great guidance and great support. When you’re in front of a Judge in these very trying important moments, you realize how critical it is to have the right representation. Annette and the office staff worked together, with me, to successfully fight the most important battle of my life. Hiring Annette Benson Law was one of my very best decisions.”
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.