Spousal Support in Michigan: What You Really Need to Know

If you’re going through (or thinking about) a divorce in Michigan, one question comes up all the time:

“Will I have to pay spousal support? Will I get it?”

Also known as alimony, spousal support isn’t automatic. It’s not punishment. And it’s not about “making someone rich for doing nothing.”

It’s about fairness.

Let’s break down what spousal support really is in Michigan, when courts award it, what factors matter, and what you should know before assuming you’ll get it (or pay it).

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support is money one ex-spouse pays to the other after a divorce.

The goal is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living—especially if they relied on the other person’s income during the marriage.

It can be:
🟠 Temporary (just to get back on your feet).
🟠 Rehabilitative (for education or training to become self-supporting).
🟠 Permanent (less common, typically for long marriages or big income gaps).

Is Spousal Support Automatic in Michigan?

No.

Unlike child support (which is required by law), spousal support isn’t guaranteed.

Michigan judges have broad discretion. That means they look at the facts of your case.

Sometimes they order it. Sometimes they don’t.

How Is Spousal Support Decided?

Michigan law doesn’t use a strict formula like child support.

Instead, courts consider several factors to figure out whether it’s needed and what’s fair.

Some of the main factors include:

🟠 The length of the marriage.
🟠 Each spouse’s age and health.
🟠 Each person’s income and earning ability.
🟠 The standard of living during the marriage.
🟠 Contributions to the marriage (including being a homemaker).
🟠 The ability to pay spousal support.
🟠 The needs of the person requesting it.
🟠 Whether one spouse sacrificed their own career or education.
🟠 Fault (in some cases, like proven infidelity or abuse).

It’s not about punishing anyone. It’s about balancing things so the lower-earning spouse isn’t left with nothing.

Length of the Marriage Matters

This is a big one.

🟠 Shorter marriages typically mean less chance of long-term spousal support.
🟠 Longer marriages (especially over 10–20 years) often justify longer-term or even permanent support.

The idea is: if you spent decades building a shared life, you shouldn’t be left in the cold if you earned less.

Income Disparity Is Key

If both spouses earn similar incomes?

Courts are less likely to award spousal support.

If one spouse earns significantly more, or if one spouse stayed home to raise kids while the other advanced in a career, spousal support becomes much more likely.

Ability to Pay Matters, Too

A judge won’t order support that the paying spouse simply can’t afford.

Michigan courts try to balance fairness for both sides.

🟠 If you’re already paying child support and struggling financially, that will factor in.
🟠 Courts look at all obligations and income.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

It depends.

🟠 Temporary—just during the divorce process.
🟠 Short-term—until the recipient can become self-supporting.
🟠 Long-term or permanent—typically for older spouses in long marriages who can’t realistically increase their income.

Judges can tailor support orders to fit the specific situation.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified?

Yes.

Life happens.

🟠 Lost job? Big pay cut?
🟠 Recipient remarries?
🟠 Major changes in need?

Either party can ask the court to modify the order if there’s a significant change in circumstances.

Can We Agree on Spousal Support Ourselves?

Absolutely.

Spousal support can be negotiated as part of a divorce settlement.

🟠 You can agree on an amount, duration, and terms.
🟠 Judges will usually approve fair, voluntary agreements.

Negotiating it can save time, money, and stress compared to fighting it out in court.

What About Taxes?

This changed in 2019.

🟠 For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not deductible by the payer.
🟠 The recipient does not have to include it as taxable income.

Older orders might be grandfathered under the old rules, but new divorces follow the new tax law.

The Bottom Line

Spousal support in Michigan isn’t about punishment or charity.

It’s about fairness and helping both people move forward after divorce.

🟠 It’s not guaranteed.
🟠 It depends on many factors.
🟠 It can be negotiated, modified, or even waived.

If you’re getting divorced, don’t assume you’ll get it or pay it without understanding how it really works.

Need Advice?

At Newburg Law, we help Michigan families navigate divorce with clarity and strategy.

🟠 Honest answers about what to expect.
🟠 Skilled negotiation to protect your interests.
🟠 Courtroom experience when you need it.

📲 Contact us today to talk about your options.