When considering divorce, a Wayne County resident may want to cut all ties with their soon-to-be ex-spouse as quickly as possible. However, depending on their financial situation, they may discover that one important connection must be maintained for years after their divorce is finalized: alimony.
Alimony is also called spousal support. It is money paid by one party to a divorce to the other. The party that pays alimony is generally the one that is more financially secure, and their payments are sent to the other to help them make ends meet once their marriage is over. There are many ways that alimony may end in Michigan, and it is important that readers consult with trusted family law attorneys to get specific answers to their case-specific needs. This post does not offer any legal advice.
Scheduled ends to alimony payments
In some divorces, alimony is intended to end at a specific time in the future. For example, some alimony awards may only last for the first few years following divorce as the alimony recipients attain the training they need to re-enter the workforce. Other alimony awards may be structured as lump-sum, one-time payments that are completed as soon as the single payments are made in full.
In order for a reader to know if and when their alimony award will terminate, they may need to refer back to their court order for guidance. Their attorney can explain to them the terms of their order and what it means for their alimony payments or obligations.
Ending an ongoing alimony award
In some cases, a party may seek to end their alimony payments to their ex due to the occurrence of an event. Often, alimony payors seek to end their obligations when their ex-partners’ remarry. If a person who receives alimony remarries, their ex is generally released from their obligation to continue to support them.
Alimony is a complicated area of family law. There are no easy answers or clear ways to resolve and answer all alimony questions. Consultation with trusted family law and divorce attorneys is important for those individuals who have concerns and questions about their existing alimony orders and agreements.
