Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is allowed under Michigan law. Every Judgment of Divorce in Michigan contains a provision regarding spousal support, indicating whether it is awarded, the amount of award, duration of award, and whether the support is modifiable or non-modifiable.

Spousal support is awarded on a case-by-case basis and the court must consider a set of factors laid out in law to determine whether spousal support may be awarded including length of the marriage, present situation of the parties, disparities in income, education, and ability to earn, along with other factors. Either spouse may request spousal support. Spousal support may be awarded for a specific period of time or may be permanent. Spousal support can be designated as modifiable meaning it may be changed in the future if the situation of the parties changes, or as non-modifiable meaning that the parties may not change the amount or duration of the spousal support.

There are many practical issues to consider including tax ramifications, impact on child support, and how the support will be paid (direct pay, income withholding, etc.).

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