Financial Stress: Figuring Out Alimony And Child Support

One of the most stressful elements of navigating a divorce or paternity action is figuring out financial support. Parents have an obligation to provide financial support for their children. Sometimes in a divorce – especially when a spouse gave up their career to be a homemaker during the marriage – spousal maintenance or support (also commonly known as alimony) is appropriate.

Divorce attorney Stacy Van Dyken founded her Grand Rapids family law firm to provide guidance and support to families throughout West Michigan.  Having practiced law since 2003, she has decades of experience helping clients navigate complex divorce cases.

The Michigan Child Support Guidelines

When it comes to child support, Michigan laws provide straightforward guidance for calculating child support. The Michigan Child Support Guidelines can make calculating child support a simple mathematical exercise. However, several factors, including who has primary custody of the child and the couple’s parenting plan, will be evaluated to determine the amount of support payments. Additional factors include:

• The number of children
• The net monthly incomes of each of the parents
• The amount of monthly support paid by a custodial or noncustodial parent or an ex-spouse from a prior relationship
• The monthly cost of family group health insurance paid by a custodial or noncustodial parent
• The monthly cost of day care paid by a custodial and/or noncustodial parent

When disputes arise over the applicability of these factors, an experienced child support attorney can be an invaluable resource. Attorney Van Dyken will work with you and opposing counsel and attempt to reach a fair and equitable child support agreement. Likewise, if your family’s circumstances change, child support can be revisited in a petition for a post-judgement modification.

When Does A Spouse Qualify For Financial Support In A Divorce?

When couples get divorced, financial issues are approached from the perspective of making the split fair and equitable for both parties. The court will consider awarding spousal support or alimony based on the following factors:

• The length of the couple’s marriage
• The age of the parties and various relevant health factors
• The ability and earning capacity of both spouses
• The past relations and conduct of the parties
• The distribution of property in the couple’s divorce
• A spouse’s ability to pay alimony or support
• The present situation and financial needs of each spouse as well as the couple’s standard of living during their marriage

The end of your marriage should never mean financial ruin for you or your family. An experienced divorce attorney can help you protect your rights and best interests during settlement negotiations or litigation.

Attorney Van Dyken has decades of experience dealing with financial complications in Michigan divorce cases. She can provide legal guidance and advice based on her many years of experience and her deep understanding of Michigan support laws.

Consult An Experienced Lawyer About Child Support Or Spousal Maintenance

Do you have questions about child support or spousal maintenance? Attorney Van Dyken offers an initial consultation appointment for prospective clients. To schedule a consultation, contact her firm, Stacy L. Van Dyken, P.C., by calling 616-776-3902. You can also send her a message through the firm’s online contact form.