SPOUSAL SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

Divorce is not just difficult emotionally, it is also difficult financially. Couples who shared two incomes can really start to struggle after a separation and a not working spouse may be further challenged by a separation.  Too few clients understand their rights when it comes to maintenance (sometimes referred to as “alimony” or “spousal support”).  Recently the law regarding maintenance has been amended to provide more guidelines for determining this issue which is set forth in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, specifically 750 ILCS 5/504.

 The maintenance law provides standards for determining if entitlement to maintenance is appropriate.  If maintenance is determined to be appropriate, the next step would be determining the amount of the maintenance payment and for how long the maintenance payment will be paid.  The law outlines multiple factors that used in this formula.  Whether you are the spouse obligated to pay maintenance or the spouse entitled to maintenance, it is important that your interest be represented by an attorney with knowledge and experience to maximize your interest.