Helping You with Child Support or Spousal Support Issues
In Michigan, the amount of child support is determined by the Michigan Child Support Formula. At the Law Office of Victor J. Zanolli, I have access to the state calculator and can give you an estimate of the amount you would most likely pay or receive. A child has an inherent right to support from his or her parents. Child support is ordered to ensure that your child's best interest is served.
Factors used when Calculating Child Support
When you visit my office, I can help you understand the child support regulations and how payment or receipt of child support is calculated. Factors that go into a child support determination include:
- Needs of the child
- Incomes of both parents.
- Child care
- Expenses (such as daycare and health care)
- Number of children
- Overnights allocated to each parent
There are additional considerations that are taken into account when using the child support calculator. For example, the formula considers the medical expenses associated with a special needs child or if the child has extraordinary educational expenses. In addition, income may be imputed to a parent with little or no income if that parent has the ability to earn income.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is also known as alimony and is in place to provide income from one spouse to the other for the purposes of support and maintenance. In some cases, you may be required to pay alimony to your spouse. Unlike child support for which state guidelines are in place, awards for alimony are highly subjective.
To determine whether spousal support payments are necessary and also for how long and how much, judges typically consider the following factors:
- Length of the marriage
- Age
- Education
- Ability of parties to work
- Health factors
- Present situation
- Needs
- Past relations and conduct of parties
- Source and amount of property awarded
- Prior standard of living
- General principles of equity
The end of your marriage should never mean financial ruin for you or your children. By talking to an experienced family law attorney, you can understand how spousal support payments may factor into your divorce. It is rarely in anyone's best interest to take this issue all the way to trial. It is, however, essential to be well prepared with facts to support your position during negotiations, mediation, arbitration or trial. It is imperative to have an attorney who can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. As a client, I will educate and provide you with a realistic idea of what to expect regarding spousal support.
Contact Us
Contact a Southfield, Michigan lawyer. Call the Law Office of Victor J. Zanolli toll-free at 877-838-2021 or complete my contact form for a free initial consultation to discuss child and spousal support. I will estimate the amount that you will likely pay or receive and answer your questions about these important issues.
