Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Divorce with an unadopted child

My mother and my stepfather have been married 9 years last September and have no children together. The assets of which my mother would like to split are the house (appraised for approx. $100k in the last three years), and my stepfather’s Profit Sharing (approx. $200k-$250k).

The couple has also been legal guardians to a two-year old child that was initially to be adopted by the both of them. The child comes from within the family. For the last two years, my stepfather has refused to adopt the child in fear of divorce.

Thus, my mother’s intention is to divorce my stepfather, and adopt the child on her own.

1. Would there be anything that entitles my mother to alimony or spousal support simply because she is unemployed and has been for the entire marriage?

2. Would my stepfather be responsible in any way for contributing to this child even though he hasn’t adopted him? What if he seeks visitation with this child?

3. My mother would like to be divorced and able to afford her home and support her adopted child without getting a job. Is this practical? What other things should she think about before taking action? What information should she seek from local attorneys?

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