Revising Spousal Support in Michigan
In Michigan, either party may petition after the judgment, and the court may revise the amount or payment of alimony and make any judgment it could have made in the original action, subject to MCL 552.17.
The revision statute
On petition of either party, after a judgment for alimony or other allowance for either party or a child, and subject to section 17, the court may revise and alter the judgment respecting the amount or payment of the alimony or allowance, and may make any judgment respecting any of the matters that the court might have made in the original action (MCL 552.28).
Either party can ask
Either the payer or the recipient may petition. The statute does not name the change in circumstances needed, so bring evidence of what changed since the judgment: income, health, employment or the needs of the parties.
Section 17
The revision power is subject to MCL 552.17, which addresses the effect of the judgment and agreements. Read the exact words of your judgment or settlement, because a waiver or fixed term in an agreement can limit what a court may do.
Trusts
The same power covers a judgment appointing trustees to receive and hold property for the use of a party or a child: the court may revise how the principal and income of the trust property are appropriated and paid.
Evidence to gather
The judgment, before-and-after income and expense records, medical records and any agreement that mentions modification.
Questions for the negotiation
Decide whether the agreement should fix the amount and term or leave them open to revision, because the court’s power is subject to the agreement.
Next steps
See when spousal support is awarded for how awards are first set and the Michigan alimony calculator to test a ceiling after a change.
Frequently asked questions
Can Michigan spousal support be modified?
Yes. On petition of either party the court may revise the amount or payment of the alimony, subject to section 17.
Who can ask to change Michigan alimony?
Either party, by petition after the judgment.
What does MCL 552.28 cover?
Alimony or other allowance for a party or a child, and trusts holding property for their use.
Does an agreement limit Michigan alimony revision?
It can; the power is subject to section 17, so read the judgment and agreement.
Is there a set standard for revising Michigan alimony?
The statute does not state one; the court may make any judgment it could have made originally.
Official sources
- MCL 552.23: judgment of divorce; further award of estate and spousal support
- MCL 552.28: revision or alteration of alimony
- 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Michigan statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Michigan attorney.