In Michigan, this legal action is called “separate maintenance.” This is a court case between a married couple that can divide property and debt, decide child support, custody, and parenting time, and award spousal support. It is almost the same as divorce, except at the end of the case the couple stays married.
Determining Legal Separation in Michigan. Just because you decide to leave home and physically separate from your spouse does not mean you are "legally separated" under Michigan law. For a couple to be "legally separated" under Michigan law, one spouse must file a request or a complaint about Separate Maintenance.
In Michigan, either spouse can ask for spousal support in a divorce. It's important to understand that for the court to consider a request for support, you must address it in your initial divorce paperwork. For the filing spouse, you'll have to tell the court you need financial support in your petition for divorce.
Disadvantages of Legal Separation Since you are still legally married, you cannot marry someone else. Even though you maintain separate residences, your finances might still be tangled. You might not have access to the same tax benefits as a divorced couple.
People often talk about “legal separation” as an alternative to divorce. In Michigan, this legal action is called “separate maintenance.” This is a court case between a married couple that can divide property and debt, decide child support, custody, and parenting time, and award spousal support.
What is Maintenance? Maintenance, formerly known as alimony, is ordered when one spouse requires financial support following the divorce to allow the receiving spouse to sustain a certain level of income or maintain their existing lifestyle.
You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
In Michigan, this legal action is called “separate maintenance.” This is a court case between a married couple that can divide property and debt, decide child support, custody, and parenting time, and award spousal support. It is almost the same as divorce, except at the end of the case the couple stays married.
The general standard in most locations holds that spousal maintenance can be awarded if the spouse lacks sufficient property, including marital property apportioned to her to provide for her reasonable needs and expenses and is unable to support herself through appropriate employment.
Be Willing to Compromise: Compromise is often necessary in negotiations. Understand that you may not get everything you want, but a fair compromise can lead to a quicker resolution. Focus on the Future: When negotiating spousal maintenance, consider the long-term financial impact on both parties.