Protecting Your Interests on Support Orders
Most divorces create the need for substantial financial adjustments by both parties. Any child support and spousal support orders arising from your divorce will be contained in your judgment of divorce. Child support orders can also arise from a paternity action or a custody complaint.
Estimating Support Expectations to Help You Plan
I recognize how important it can be for you to be able to estimate what you can expect to pay or receive after your divorce. I routinely provide these estimates using "prognosticator" tools, and we can address these issues as part of our initial consultation. Contact me to arrange a meeting about your pending divorce, including child support or spousal support concerns.
An Attorney Knowledgeable on Michigan Child Support Guidelines
The Friend of the Court applies a statewide child support formula to make recommendations for child support orders — but it may depart from this formula under a variety of circumstances. As your attorney, I will advise and advocate for you to help ensure that:
- For a custodial parent who will receive support, the child support order accurately reflects the other party's resources and ability to pay
- For a noncustodial parent who will pay support, any departures from the statutory guidelines are justified by the facts
Nonpayment of child support has serious consequences, but back child support can be difficult to obtain post-judgment. Having a qualified lawyer on your side can be especially important in divorce and support cases where either party is:
- Self-employed — or has income that is hard to establish for other reasons
- Unemployed or underemployed, by choice or otherwise
- Alleged to have squandered or improperly taken marital assets
Experienced in Cases Involving Contested Spousal Support
The awarding of spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is more subjective. A wide range of factors can come into play. If you believe you should receive either temporary or permanent spousal support — or if you believe you may need to contest an obligation to pay spousal support — contact my office to discuss the burden of proof and other important legal issues in a free initial consultation.
