

The court sometimes also awards temporary support in addition to the status quo payments if there's a need and a significant discrepancy in income. For example, if your spouse has always paid the mortgage, utility bills, and car payments, the court may order that your spouse continue making those payments throughout the divorce process. Sometimes courts refer to temporary support as "status quo" payments.

Either party can request temporary support when filing for divorce, but the court will only award it if it's appropriate. Temporary support is available for spouses who are unable to support themselves during the divorce process.

Periodic support is paid in equal payments over a specific period, permanent support lasts indefinitely, and lump-sum support is spousal support paid all at once Temporary support is only available during the pendency of the divorce. If you qualify for support, the court will determine what kind of support is best for your situation. Michigan offers four types of spousal support: (MCL 552.23 (1).) Types of Support Available in Michigan As with most issues in divorce, if you and your spouse agree on an amount and term for spousal support, the court will honor it, if it's not unfair to either party. The amount, frequency, and duration of support will depend on your individual case. The purpose of spousal support is to ensure that each spouse can meet financial needs during and after the divorce process.

Spousal support is a payment from one ex-spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Michigan permits spouses to request spousal support (also called alimony) if the requesting spouse can demonstrate a financial need and the other party can afford to pay. If you're considering filing for divorce, or if your spouse already filed, you're likely wondering how you can ease your financial worries.
