Michigan Attorney Protects Clients Facing Unfair Spousal Support Awards
Skilled family lawyer helps people in the Southfield area to limit or avoid support payments
When you and your spouse divorce, there are a number of decisions you need to make that will have a long-term impact on your quality of life. One of the decisions the Michigan courts generally make on behalf of those involved is whether or not one spouse will be required to provide the other with spousal support, also known as spousal support. At The Law Offices of Barry Fayne, I represent clients in the Southfield area and throughout Michigan in divorce proceedings. If you are asked to pay spousal support, I will uphold your rights. I know that spousal support is one of the most highly contested issues in divorce and will challenge whether any support is justified or try to limit the amount you are required to pay.
Experienced divorce lawyer negotiates spousal support agreements
When determining whether or not spousal support should be granted, how much should be awarded and for how long it should continue, Michigan judges carefully appraise a couple’s length of marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, the relative income of each individual, and the needs of each spouse. Retaining an experienced spousal support attorney can help you convince the court that your former spouse does not need spousal support because they are capable of supporting themselves. Alternatively, I can also work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse needs less than he or she asked for and negotiate an award that is fairer based on the financial conditions of each spouse.
Established firm seeks to limit support of all types
At The Law Offices of Barry Fayne, I represent clients throughout Michigan asked to make different kinds of spousal support payments that may include:
- Temporary spousal support — This is support awarded during the divorce action, which may include attorney fees and relevant litigation costs.
- Rehabilitative spousal support — This type of spousal support is intended to help a dependent spouse become self-reliant and may end when an ex-spouse has found a job or has completed his or her education.
- Reimbursement spousal support — These payments are awarded to the spouse who worked to support the family while the other spouse pursued professional training or career development. This type of spousal support agreement may end or the amount paid may decrease once the spouse has been compensated.
- Permanent spousal support — Permanent support is given to a spouse who is seriously ill or who has demonstrated economic need. This agreement can be modified due to changing financial needs or other circumstances.
I will undertake a thorough analysis of your spouse's financial condition to help limit an award to one that is supported by the facts.
Proven advocate helps clients reduce support orders
I also represent clients who wish to have a spousal support award reduced or ended. In many cases, the law allows for these changes. Support awards are often changed after:
- The spouse receiving the support remarries or moves in with a new partner.
- The spouse making the payments experiences a significant loss in income.
- The spouse receiving the payments experiences a significant gain in assets.
- The spouse receiving support becomes employed.
- The spouse receiving support overcomes a disability or illness.
I can help you present evidence to the court as to why the amount you pay should be decreased or request that the court properly enforce the spousal support agreement when conditions warrant stopping payments altogether.
Contact an experienced Michigan spousal support attorney for help limiting or avoiding payments
At The Law Offices of Barry Fayne, I represent clients throughout Michigan in spousal support negotiations to protect their rights and limit payments to a fair amount. Call me at 248-763-6014 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my Southfield office.
