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Michigan Spousal Support Calculator

Estimate Temporary & Permanent Support Under MCL 552.13, 552.23 & the 14-Factor Loutts Test

⚖️ Michigan's 14-Factor Loutts v Loutts Test (MCL 552.23)
No statutory formula — courts have broad discretion applying 14 equitable factors
Informal benchmark: 30–40% of income difference; no legal cap on amount or duration
Key factors: marriage length, earning capacity, health, standard of living, career sacrifice, domestic violence, and contributions to the marriage. Select all applicable factors below.
Use this free Michigan spousal support calculator to estimate temporary and permanent alimony under MCL 552.13 and MCL 552.23. Whether your divorce is in Detroit (Wayne County), Grand Rapids (Kent County), Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County), Lansing (Ingham County), or anywhere else in Michigan, this tool applies the 14-factor Loutts v Loutts test, domestic violence considerations, and the MCL 552.28 modification framework. Wondering how much alimony you may pay or receive? Enter your details below for a step-by-step estimate. Always consult a licensed Michigan divorce attorney for advice specific to your case.

Income Information

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Marriage Details

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Marriage less than 5 years? (auto-set from duration)
Marriage 20+ years? (auto-set from duration)
Recipient is custodial parent? (MCL 552.23 Loutts factor)

Michigan-Specific Legal Factors

Domestic violence involved? (MCL 552.23 Loutts factor — may increase support) ℹ️Under MCL 552.23 and Loutts v Loutts, documented domestic violence is a factor that may increase support amount and duration.

Domestic Violence under MCL 552.23 & Loutts:

  • Courts may increase support 10–20% for domestic violence victims
  • May justify longer duration of support
  • Documented protective orders strengthen the showing

MCL 552.23; Loutts v Loutts, 298 Mich App 21 (2012)

Economic misconduct by payor? (Michigan is no-fault — only economic misconduct may matter) ℹ️Michigan is a no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.23. Adultery alone does not affect support. Only economic misconduct (hiding assets, intentional unemployment) may be considered.

Michigan No-Fault Rule (MCL 552.23):

  • Michigan is a no-fault divorce state
  • Adultery or fault grounds generally do not affect support
  • Only economic misconduct (hidden assets, willful underemployment) may be considered

MCL 552.23; Olson v Olson, 256 Mich App 619 (2003)

Significant non-financial contributions to marriage? (Loutts factor — homemaker, raised children) ℹ️Non-monetary contributions such as homemaking and child-rearing are a formal Loutts factor and may increase the support award.

Needs & Resources (MCL 552.23 Factors)

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Earning Capacity (MCL 552.23 & Loutts Factor #9)

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Recipient sacrificed career for marriage? (Loutts factor)
Recipient has a disability? (MCL 552.23 factor)

Duration Factors (MCL 552.23)

Maintain marital standard of living? (Loutts factor)
Significant separate property? (MCL 552.23 factor)
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Disclaimer: Estimates only. Michigan has no statutory formula under MCL 552.23. Courts apply the 14-factor Loutts v Loutts test with broad discretion. Actual court orders may differ significantly. For divorces finalized on/after January 1, 2019, support is not deductible (TCJA 2017). Consult a licensed Michigan family law attorney.
Important Legal Note: This calculator provides estimates only. Michigan has no statutory formula — judges apply the 14-factor Loutts v Loutts test under MCL 552.23 with broad discretion. Tax note (TCJA 2017): For divorces finalized on or after January 1, 2019, spousal support is NOT deductible by the payor and NOT taxable to the recipient. Not legal advice — consult a Michigan family law attorney.

Michigan Spousal Support Calculation Results

Support Type Determination

Recommended Support Type:

Primary Factors:

Monthly Support Amount

Guideline Amount:

Statutory Considerations:

Duration of Support

Recommended Duration:

Judicial Considerations (14 Loutts Factors)

Likely Range:

Key Factors:

Michigan Spousal Support Legal Authority

MCL 552.13 — Temporary Spousal Support
Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.13

Governs temporary support during divorce proceedings. Courts may order either spouse to pay suitable support to the other pending final judgment of divorce.

MCL 552.23 — Permanent Spousal Support
Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.23

Primary statute for post-divorce spousal support. Courts may award support out of the payor's real and personal estate or earnings as considered just and reasonable based on the 14 Loutts factors.

Loutts v Loutts (2012) — 14-Factor Test
298 Mich App 21 (2012), reaffirmed 2024

The authoritative 14-factor framework for all Michigan spousal support decisions. Factors include: marriage length, parties' ages and health, earning capacity, standard of living, needs, ability to pay, fault (if relevant), contributions to the marriage, and more.

Myland v Myland (2021) — Retirement Modification
334 Mich App 626 (2021)

Under MCL 552.28, retirement at a reasonable age constitutes a substantial change in circumstances justifying modification or termination of spousal support.

Berger v Berger (2023) — Cohabitation Rule
Unpublished COA Docket No. 361524 (2023)

Cohabitation alone does not automatically terminate support under MCL 552.28. The court requires proof of financial interdependence before modifying or terminating support on cohabitation grounds.

Modifying Michigan Spousal Support (MCL 552.28)

Under MCL 552.28, spousal support may be modified upon a showing of a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.

1. Legal Standards for Modification
Substantial and Continuing Change Required: The change must be material and ongoing — temporary fluctuations are insufficient.
Automatic Termination on Remarriage: The recipient's remarriage results in automatic termination of support.
Cohabitation Requires Financial Interdependence: Cohabitation is not automatic grounds for termination — the payor must prove financial interdependence, not merely that the recipient is living with another person (Berger v Berger, 2023).
Courts Re-Apply the 14 Loutts Factors: At a modification hearing, the court re-examines the same 14-factor test from Loutts v Loutts in light of the changed circumstances, not just the single factor that changed.
Temporary Modification Pending Hearing: The court may grant temporary relief while a full modification hearing is scheduled under MCL 552.28.
2. Common Grounds for Modification
Recipient's Remarriage: Automatic termination; payor should still file to formally close out the order.
Payor's Retirement at a Reasonable Age: Courts examine the reasonableness of the retirement decision and its effect on both parties (Myland v Myland).
Significant Income Change: For either party — job loss, pay reduction, or unexpected increase.
Proven Cohabitation: Financial interdependence with a new partner, established through petition (Berger v Berger).
Disability or Health Issues: A new or worsening medical condition affecting either party's earning capacity.
3. Step-by-Step Modification Process
Step 1 – Gather Evidence: Tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements, medical records, proof of cohabitation and financial interdependence.
Step 2 – File a Motion to Modify: Submit to the originating circuit court under MCL 552.28, showing the substantial and continuing change.
Step 3 – Serve Notice: Formally serve the other party per Michigan Court Rules.
Step 4 – Mediation: Many Michigan circuit courts encourage mediation before a contested hearing.
Step 5 – Court Hearing: If unresolved, present evidence before the circuit court; the 14 Loutts factors are re-applied.
Step 6 – Order on Modification: Modifications are generally effective from the filing date forward.
4. Critical Practical Considerations
Never stop paying without a court order: Arrears accumulate and the payor risks contempt proceedings.
No retroactive modification: Act promptly when circumstances change, since relief generally runs from the filing date.
Document cohabitation thoroughly: Shared expenses, joint accounts, and other financial-interdependence evidence are essential given the Berger standard.
Request temporary relief if urgent: Under MCL 552.28, temporary modification can bridge the gap while the full hearing is pending.

MCL 552.23, 552.28 | Loutts v Loutts, 298 Mich App 21 (2012) | Berger v Berger (Mich. Ct. App. 2023) | Myland v Myland

FAQs: Michigan Spousal Support Law (MCL 552.13, 552.23, 552.28)

What is the difference between MCL 552.13 and MCL 552.23?

MCL 552.13 governs temporary spousal support during the divorce proceedings. MCL 552.23 governs permanent or post-divorce spousal support after the final judgment. Courts apply the same 14 Loutts factors to both, but temporary support under MCL 552.13 ends when the divorce is finalized.

MCL 552.13; MCL 552.23; Loutts v Loutts, 298 Mich App 21 (2012)

Is there a formula for spousal support under Michigan law?

No. Unlike child support (which uses the Michigan Child Support Formula), MCL 552.23 provides no mathematical formula. Judges have broad discretion and apply the 14-factor test from Loutts v Loutts. The informal "30–40% of income difference" benchmark is common among attorneys but is not legally binding.

MCL 552.23; Loutts v Loutts, 298 Mich App 21 (2012)

How does marriage length affect support under MCL 552.23?

Under MCL 552.23 and Loutts, marriage duration is one of the primary factors:

  • Under 5 years: Spousal support is uncommon unless exceptional circumstances exist.
  • 5–10 years: Support more likely; duration often around 40% of the marriage length.
  • 10–20 years: Duration often around 60% of the marriage length.
  • 20+ years: May qualify for permanent or long-term support continuing until retirement.

MCL 552.23; Loutts v Loutts factor #1

Can spousal support be modified under Michigan law?

Yes. MCL 552.28 allows modification upon showing of a "substantial and continuing change in circumstances." Common grounds include:

  • Payor's retirement at reasonable age (Myland v Myland, 2021)
  • Recipient's remarriage (automatic termination under MCL 552.28)
  • Significant income changes for either party
  • Disability or serious health issues
  • Recipient's cohabitation with financial interdependence (Berger v Berger, 2023)

MCL 552.28; Myland v Myland, 334 Mich App 626 (2021)

Are spousal support payments taxable under current law?

For divorces finalized ON OR AFTER January 1, 2019: Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), spousal support payments are NOT deductible for the payor and are NOT taxable income for the recipient.

For divorces finalized BEFORE January 1, 2019: The old rules apply — payments are deductible for the payor and taxable to the recipient.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; Internal Revenue Code §71

Does fault or adultery affect spousal support in Michigan?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.23, the reasons for divorce are generally not considered when awarding support. However, economic misconduct (hiding assets, intentional underemployment) may be a factor. Adultery alone does not affect support awards.

MCL 552.23; Olson v Olson, 256 Mich App 619 (2003)

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