Can someon explain this line in a status quo order: Defendant to pay Plaintiff spousal support commensurate with his ability to pay?

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Can someon explain this line in a status quo order: Defendant to pay Plaintiff spousal support commensurate with his ability to pay?

My wife is seeking to have a status quo order along with a divorce proceeding. The status quo order contains the above line regarding spousal support. What is meant by spousal support in this context? We still live in the same house and I have always paid all expenses via my income. What would spousal support mean during the pendency of this case?

Asked on December 8, 2011 under Family Law, Michigan

Answers:

David Lee / Law Offices of David Lee

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Without actually seeing the order, I can only guess that your spouse is seeking a "Leveling of the playing field" type of relief.  Spouse's should be able to have equal access to marital finances.  Even though you pay all of the bills and the mortgage, she may be asking for more money for personal expenses that could be loosely interpreted as "Marital" expenses.  For example, "clothing or a haircut" is a type of personal expense that can also be considered a "Marital or living" expense.  

Orders of Spousal support should clearly outline what are permissible marital expenses and are designed to prohibit you from unreasonably withholding money for marital expenses.  

 

For more information on Spousal Support, visit my website at:

http://davidleelegal.com/

David Lee

 


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