Maintenance & Spousal Support

Chicago, IL Maintenance & spousal support Attorneys

Navigating spousal support in divorce or separation

In the context of divorce or legal separation, the presiding judge may opt to grant family law spousal support to one of the partners involved. In Illinois, this form of support is officially termed "maintenance," though it is commonly known as "alimony."


In simple terms, maintenance denotes a recurring monetary provision that one spouse provides to the other, aiming to assist the financially disadvantaged partner due to the repercussions of the divorce or separation.

Illinois' approach to maintenance operates under the principle that a spouse facing financial challenges post-divorce requires ongoing support from the higher-earning counterpart. The state enforces statutory maintenance, utilizing a formula that factors in both spouses' gross income and the duration of the marriage.


While statutory maintenance awards are available, couples retain the option to shape their own agreements through negotiation, enabling them to address their unique circumstances and aspirations.

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