Georgetown Spousal Support Attorney

At Kraayeveld Family Law, our Georgetown spousal support attorneys understand that financial stability after divorce ranks among our clients’ top concerns, along with property division, child custody, child support, and other divorce issues. Our team has over 30 years of focused family law experience to help you seek fair and appropriate spousal support arrangements.

For a confidential consultation to discuss your situation with one of our experienced Michigan alimony lawyers, please contact our office or call 24/7 616-383-2679 today. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW. Grand Rapids, MI. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!

What Is Spousal Support in Georgetown, Michigan?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, provides financial assistance from one former spouse to the other spouse during the divorce process and after divorce. Michigan courts recognize that divorce can often create significant financial challenges. That may prove particularly true for spouses who have sacrificed career opportunities to support their family or those who need time to become financially self-sufficient.

The purpose of spousal support extends beyond simple financial aid. It helps ensure both former spouses can maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce.

The need to address this issue becomes especially important in marriages where one or more of the following factors apply:

• One spouse left the workforce to care for children. These individuals often need support while gaining education or job training to reenter the workforce.
• A significant income disparity exists between spouses. Support helps bridge this financial gap.
• One spouse contributed to the other’s career advancement. Alimony can serve to compensate for one person managing the household or supporting the other’s education while they pursued their career.

Every spousal support case differs because each family’s circumstances are unique. Michigan courts do not use a standard formula to calculate payments. Instead, they weigh multiple factors to determine appropriate support arrangements. As such, it is crucial to work with an experienced family law attorney who understands alimony rules in Michigan and can advocate effectively for your financial interests.

How Does Spousal Support Work in Georgetown, MI?

Under Michigan alimony laws, courts consider several key factors when determining spousal support awards. Factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity and vocational skills, their ages and health conditions, and their conduct during the marriage. The court also examines both parties’ financial needs and ability to pay.

Michigan recognizes different types of spousal support, including:

• Temporary support ‒ Provides financial assistance during divorce proceedings
• Rehabilitative support ‒ Helps the receiving spouse gain education or job skills for self-sufficiency
• Permanent support ‒ Awarded in longer marriages or when one spouse cannot become self-supporting after the divorce
• Lump-sum support ‒ Also referred to as alimony in gross which is often a form of property division and can be a one-time payment instead of ongoing monthly payments

Common Challenges in Georgetown Spousal Support Cases

Spousal support cases often involve complex financial issues that require careful attention.

Some frequent challenges include:

• Accurately determining actual income ‒ This can be especially challenging in cases involving self-employed individuals or variable income.
• Hidden assets or income ‒ This factor can come into play when one spouse attempts to minimize their financial resources.
• Job loss or income reduction ‒ Changes to financial circumstances may require support modification.
• Health issues ‒ Medical factors can affect a spouse’s earning capacity or ability to pay alimony.
• Retirement planning ‒ Retirement benefits can significantly impact long-term support obligations.

Steps to Take When Seeking Spousal Support in Georgetown

Working with our experienced attorneys early in the divorce process helps ensure you gather appropriate documentation and present your case effectively. Our legal team at Kraayeveld Family Law guides our clients through each step, explaining their rights and options under Michigan law.

If you’re considering requesting spousal support, taking these critical steps can strengthen your position.

Document Your Financial Situation

Gather at least three years of:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs or W2s for previous years
• Bank statements
• Credit card bills
• Detailed expense records

Include both personal and business accounts if you own a business. Provide copies of all retirement account statements, investment portfolios, and life insurance policies.

Create a Detailed Budget

Write a comprehensive monthly budget showing your current living expenses and anticipated future needs. Include everything from housing costs and utilities to medical expenses and transportation. Make sure to account for inflation and potential changes in circumstances, such as health insurance costs after leaving your spouse’s policy.

List All Marital Assets

Create an inventory of all property acquired during marriage, including:

• Real estate
• Vehicles
• Retirement accounts
• Investments
• Artwork
• Valuable collections

Note when each asset was acquired and its current value. Remember to include less obvious assets like stock options, frequent flier miles, and timeshare properties.

Keep Records of Your Marriage Contributions

Document both financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage. For example, if you managed the household while your spouse built their career or if you relocated multiple times to support your spouse’s job advancement, these factors may influence support determinations.

Maintain Proof of Education and Work History

Include degrees you have earned, certifications you hold, and a detailed employment timeline. If you left a career to raise children or support your spouse’s career, gather proof of your previous earning capacity. You should also get a professional assessment of the current market value of your skills. This information helps demonstrate both your earning potential and any career sacrifices made during marriage.

How Our Georgetown Spousal Support Attorneys Can Help You

At Kraayeveld Family Law, our attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex spousal support cases throughout West Michigan. We understand Georgetown’s local courts and use this knowledge to benefit our clients.

Our team delivers:

• Comprehensive case evaluations to determine appropriate support levels
• Strategic negotiations with opposing counsel to reach fair agreements
• Strong courtroom advocacy when settlement isn’t possible
• Assistance with support modifications as circumstances change

Our clients trust us because we deliver results. As one previous client shared in a testimonial, “The staff at Kraayeveld Family Law provided great comfort and clarity during an otherwise challenging divorce. The team is very knowledgeable and quick to respond to questions as they come up.”

Contact a Georgetown Spousal Support Attorney Today

Financial security after a divorce partly depends on making informed decisions about spousal support. Whether you seek support or need to respond to a support request, our Georgetown family law attorneys are ready to protect your interests and guide you toward the best possible outcome. We are here to give you the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.

Call 24/7 616-383-2679 at Kraayeveld Family Law today or reach out online to schedule your confidential consultation. From our office in Grand Rapids, we serve clients in Georgetown and throughout the surrounding communities.