Understanding Michigan’s Spousal Support Rules

Last updated on January 13, 2026

Attorney Michael A. Robbins assists clients with matters related to spousal support (also called alimony). Unlike child support, spousal support calculations are based on several factors. There is no formula. Considerations include:

• Relations of the parties during the past
• The length of the marriage
• The employability and workability of each party
• The property awarded to each of the parties
• The age of the parties
• The capacity to pay alimony
• The current circumstances of each party
• The needs of the parties
• The health and well-being of each of the parties
• The parties’ prior standard of living and whether either is responsible for the support of others

Spousal support can be temporary or permanent. If temporary, the court order may include provisions for renewal or support may end altogether at a predetermined date. Michael A. Robbins can advise you on such matters.

Types Of Spousal Support In Michigan

Michigan courts may award different types of spousal support, such as:

• Temporary spousal support: It is awarded while a divorce is pending to help ensure both spouses can meet their financial obligations, but it ends once a divorce is finalized.
• Periodic or rehabilitative spousal support: It is commonly awarded to help the lower-earning spouse return to school or develop new skills to become independent.
• Permanent spousal support: It is awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unlikely to become financially independent due to age, disability or health concerns.

Attorney Michael Robbins can analyze your financial circumstances and present compelling arguments to the court to help you get support.

Can You Modify Or Terminate Spousal Support In Michigan?

Yes, you can modify or terminate spousal support in Michigan under circumstances such as:

• Disability or serious health condition
• Job loss
• Increased income for the recipient
• Remarriage of the recipient spouse
• Retirement

To modify or terminate the alimony, you must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our firm’s 30-plus years of experience in family law. Once you reach an agreement, attorney Robbins will submit it to the court for approval and make it legally binding.

Can Cohabitation End Your Spousal Support In Michigan?

Yes, cohabitation can end your spousal support under certain circumstances. In Michigan, divorce judgments often include specific terms such as cohabitation clauses. These clauses recognize that when the recipient moves in with a new partner, their financial situation often changes.

Essentially, this means that if the terms contain such a clause and cohabitation occurs, support payments may be reduced or terminated depending on what the court decides.

What Happens If Your Ex-Spouse Fails To Pay Alimony?

You can file a motion for contempt to enforce the order. Failure to pay court-ordered alimony can lead to:

• Income withholding: The employer deducts the required payments directly.
• Intercepted tax refunds: State and federal tax refunds to cover unpaid support.
• The court may increase payment amounts to cover missed obligations.
• The court may issue fines, penalties or even jail time in severe cases.
• The court garnishes wages, seizes bank accounts or places liens on property.
• License suspension, which may affect one’s career.

If your ex-spouse has failed to make alimony payments, attorney Michael Robbins can help you explore legal options.

Find Out More

To learn how spousal support orders will impact you, call us at 248-646-7980 for an initial consultation, or fill out our intake form on our Contact page. Located in Bloomfield Hills, Mr. Robbins accepts cases in the Tri-County area of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and throughout the state.