When going through a divorce, one issue that often arises is the question of spousal maintenance, also known as alimony. In Illinois, spousal maintenance is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. If you’re going through a divorce in Cook County and are wondering about alimony, here’s what you need to know.
Factors Considered in Determining Spousal Maintenance
According to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, there are several factors that will be considered when determining if spousal maintenance is necessary. These include:
-
The income and property of each party
-
The needs of each party
-
The present and future earning capacity of each party
-
The duration of the marriage
-
Any other factor that the court finds to be just and equitable
As you can see, spousal maintenance is determined by a variety of circumstances. Working with a skilled Chicago attorney who can guide you through this difficult procedure is essential.
Spousal Maintenance vs. Child Support
The distinction between spousal support and child support should be made clear. Child support is payments made by one parent to the other to support their children, while alimony payments are made by one spouse to the other to support them.
In general, child support is calculated based on the number of children and the income of both parents, while alimony is calculated based on the factors listed above.
How Long Will Spousal Maintenance Last?
The duration of spousal support will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. In general, the maintenance duration is based on the length of the marriage. It’s essential to remember that spousal support can be changed if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a loss of employment.
Contact a Chicago Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
In any matter concerning spousal support or alimony, the attorneys at NextLevel Law, P.C. by Daniel R. Hernandez, Esq.. will give you the legal representation you need. We can act as your advocate whether you’re asking for maintenance payments or are being asked to contribute to your ex-spouse after a divorce.
We are pleased to assist our customers in either English or Spanish. In order to assist our entire community, our firm always charges reasonable fixed prices. From our office in Chicago, we serve clients throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Joliet. Contact us at 312-442-2225 to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Chicago spousal maintenance lawyer.