Michigan Divorce Attorney Jannelle Zawaideh

Spousal support and alimony isn't paid in as many cases as it used to be, because more households have two incomes anymore. Still, there are times when a payment to a spouse is warranted. With that in mind, you may want to talk to The Law Offices of Jannelle J. Zawaideh in order to make sure you're either paying an appropriate amount or receiving the right amount. Whether you're asking for alimony or spousal support to be paid to you, or your spouse has requested payments from you, it's important that the amount is accurate and the division of assets is fair and just.

Not everyone qualifies for alimony. Those who do generally have special circumstances whereby they have stayed at home to raise children all their lives or supported their husband's career in some way financially. Because of that, they have a valid and verifiable reason to ask for alimony when the marriage ends. They do not have a way of supporting themselves, and in some cases they haven't had a way to do that for many years. While they can get a job after their divorce, their options may be limited.

Going back to school or getting additional training may be important. They may also have children to raise, which would prevent them from getting a job that would be capable of supporting them and their children. While child support will be ordered in those cases, that only pays for the children's care. It does not pay for the spouse to have a place to live. Another instance where alimony may be expected is in cases where one spouse is very wealthy or makes a significantly disproportionate amount of money compared to the other spouse.

In these cases, alimony is about allowing the divorcing spouses to continue to live the types of lives to which they were accustomed. These kinds of cases are unusual, but they can and do happen. If you want to receive alimony from your former spouse, you'll need a good Michigan Family Law attorney to work with you on that. A determination of what is fair and why alimony should be paid will need to be made, and there is still a chance that the judge will not approve it, especially if the other spouse fights against it. However, there are cases where it is certainly warranted and will be awarded.

Conversely, you also need to work with a Michigan Family Law attorney if you're being asked to pay alimony to your former spouse. Some people will pay without arguing, but most are not comfortable doing so. You may feel it is unfair for you to pay for your ex-spouse's bills, or you may feel more comfortable agreeing to a lower amount. Either way, you'll need a lawyer to work with you and protect your interests. Then you'll be able to come to an agreement on what is fair for both parties.