Married couples intertwine their finances in most cases. In fact, it is quite common for spouses to make financial sacrifices for the benefit of the entire family. One spouse might leave a high-demand job or stop working entirely to raise the couple’s children.
Even in scenarios where both spouses work, one might earn substantially more than the other. In such cases, divorce can leave the lower-earning spouse in a very difficult position. They may not be able to afford rent and other basic expenses with their own income.
Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, involves a series of structured payments to a lower-earning spouse from the higher-earning spouse in the family. How long does that financial support usually last?
Each divorce scenario is unique
Some states have a specific formula that guides spousal support calculations. Michigan employs a more nuanced approach to this complex issue. Factors including the length of the marriage and the health of the spouses can influence what a judge deems appropriate.
Unusual circumstances, such as one spouse assuming permanent responsibility for a shared adult child with special needs, could also affect spousal support orders. Earning potential and separate property can also influence the duration of spousal support, as can the age of the spouses.
Most spousal support orders only last for a specific amount of time. It is sometimes possible for the paying spouse to modify the order to terminate support early if the recipient spouse remarries or there are other significant changes in circumstances. Spouses can either take control of the situation by negotiating their own settlement for spousal support or rely on a judge to determine what is appropriate.
Reviewing marital details with a skilled legal team can help people better estimate spousal support obligations. People anticipating complex divorce negotiations often need assistance learning about their rights and pushing for a fair outcome, and that’s okay.