Obtaining Spousal Support and
Child Support Terms You Can Live With
Divorce often creates financial hardships. But just as often, the hardships are not equally shared. At the Law Offices of Kelly G Lambert III, P.C., we help clients obtain more reasonable support terms they can live with in connection with a divorce. Offering more than 20 years of experience, we are ready to put our knowledge of the law and our other resources to work on your behalf today.
Don't walk into the courtroom alone. Find out what our lawyers can do to obtain a fair alimony or child support result. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling our Grand Rapids law offices directly or by contacting us online. We are here to help.
Who Pays, How Much and for How Long?
- Child support will almost always be ordered when minor children are involved in a divorce. The amount is determined by the formula set forth in the state's child support guidelines unless the parties formally agree to deviate from the guidelines. This formula takes into account the number of children in the family, childcare and health care costs, the incomes of each parent and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent. Parents can agree to deviate from the guideline amounts (subject to court approval). They can also elect to pay support privately or through the state. Generally, child support ends when a child turns 18 and has stopped attending or has graduated from high school. In some instances it can continue until the child is 19 1/2 years old.
- Absent a mutual agreement, alimony is not required unless it is ordered by the court. In considering this issue, judges look at a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the relative incomes and earning capacities of each spouse and the ability of one party or the other to pay. However, Michigan law allows judges to consider any other relevant factors. Alimony may be permanent, rehabilitative (limited in duration but long enough to allow a person to become self-supporting), or temporary (most often ordered for the time period while the divorce is still pending). It can also be non-modifiable or modifiable.
- Absent a non-modifiable support provision you can seek to modify the amount of alimony or child support you pay or receive at any point, provided you can show there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Free Initial Consultations
Grand Rapids Area: 616-773-2764
Western Michigan Toll Free: 888-692-9078
For answers, experienced legal help and affordable divorce solutions — call either of the two phone numbers listed above or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Major Credit Cards Accepted / Payment Plans Available
