Michigan spousal support amount
Michigan does not use a statutory formula to calculate spousal support.
The Michigan Family Law Benchbook states that there is no statutory formula for calculating spousal support. It also explains that a trial court cannot replace the required factor analysis with a formula. [2]
Michigan Compiled Laws §552.23 authorizes a court to award support when the property and effects awarded to a spouse are insufficient for suitable support and maintenance, after considering the circumstances of the parties. [1]
Michigan spousal support factors
Michigan courts consider the spouses’ incomes, needs, marriage, health, and earning abilities.
The Michigan Family Law Benchbook identifies factors relevant to the amount of support including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the joint estate, age, health, station in life, necessities and circumstances, and earning abilities. It describes the objective as balancing the parties’ incomes and needs without impoverishing either spouse. [2]
Nonbinding guidelines may be used as a starting point in some courts, but they are not a statewide statutory formula and do not replace the required legal analysis. [2]
Questions about Michigan spousal support calculations.
Does Michigan have an alimony formula?
No. Michigan’s court benchbook states that there is no statutory formula for calculating spousal support.
Does marriage length determine Michigan spousal support?
Marriage length is an important factor, but it does not convert into a statewide amount or duration formula.
What does this Michigan calculator calculate?
It calculates the budget effect of a payment you choose. It does not estimate a Michigan court award.
Michigan spousal support sources and calculator limits
- 01Michigan Legislature: MCL 552.23, spousal support authority
- 02Michigan Courts: Family Law Benchbook, Spousal Support §§6.18-6.19
Public-source check: September 6, 2026. Current calculator rules release: 0.18.0. The cited Michigan benchbook is the April 2024 update prepared for the State Court Administrative Office. This page provides a payment scenario and legal context. It is not attorney reviewed and does not determine entitlement, amount, duration, modification, or tax consequences.