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Chris Drouillard, Grosse Pointe Divorce Lawyer

Alimony & Spousal Support

As of January 1, 2016, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act underwent repeal and subsequent reenactment, introducing changes that impact the calculation of support, enforcement measures, and proceedings related to international conventions for child and family support recovery. You can access the updated legislation via this link: [2015-HNB-4742.pdf]

Christopher Drouillard is well-versed in applying the relevant provisions of this new law to the advantage of his clients. It’s important to note that Michigan law does not mandate the automatic granting of alimony or spousal support in every divorce case. Instead, determinations regarding the necessity and affordability of spousal support are typically made by courts, including the Wayne County Circuit Court and others across Michigan.

Courts possess considerable discretion when awarding alimony, considering various factors such as the couple’s financial situation, standard of living, marriage duration, income disparities, as well as the age, health, and employability of the parties involved. Importantly, circumstances surrounding the divorce, such as fault, can also influence alimony decisions. Fault may encompass issues like physical or emotional abuse, extramarital affairs, and abandonment.

It’s common for the party responsible for alimony payments to find it challenging, as they may question the ongoing financial support for their former spouse. However, it’s worth noting that the payer of alimony is eligible for an income tax deduction corresponding to the spousal support amount paid to the recipient. For a deeper understanding of the tax implications specific to your situation, it’s advisable to consult with a tax specialist.

It’s important to clarify that while Christopher Drouillard can handle your divorce proceedings, he does not provide tax advice, as he is not a tax attorney or specialist in this field.

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