Chicago Spousal Support Attorneys

Chicago Spousal Support Attorneys

What you may think of as alimony is called either spousal support or spousal maintenance in the State of Illinois. Spousal support plays a role in only a limited number of divorces, but when it does, it can serve a valuable purpose. Spousal support is intended to allow a spouse who takes a financial hit with divorce gain greater financial independence via support payments that are designed to help him or her obtain the education, experience, or job skills necessary to achieve that financial independence. 

If you have questions or concerns about spousal support, reach out to an experienced Chicago spousal support attorney.

Determining When Spousal Support Is Appropriate

There has been a decided shift away from spousal support in the last several decades (in Illinois and across the country), but this does not mean that spousal support is never deemed appropriate and never awarded. If you and your divorcing spouse earn at a similar level, spousal support is not likely to enter into your divorce terms, but if there is a significant discrepancy between your earning power and your spouse’s, spousal support becomes far more likely.  Your respective incomes and the duration of your marriage are both factors that play directly into the Illinois statutory maintenance calculations.

Ultimately, spousal support is left to the discretion of the court – once certain specifics are met – which means that each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Determining Factors

The following factors help to determine when spousal support is awarded:

• Short-term marriages with similar incomes make obtaining a spousal support order far more challenging. 
• If you and your spouse have been married for a significant amount of time and your divorce will leave you with a significant gap in your income (in relation to your ex’s), spousal support becomes more likely. 
• If your mental or physical health is less than robust and interferes with your ability to work and support yourself, it increases the chances that you will receive spousal support.
• The same is true if your level of education leaves you less well prepared to support yourself financially. 
• If you contributed to your spouse’s education by supporting the family while he or she was in school or helped him or her develop his or her successful career by taking care of your home and children, it also bolsters your request for spousal support. 

The Underlying Reasoning

The reasoning behind most spousal support is to help bridge the financial gap between divorce and financial independence post-divorce. As such, support is generally temporary and is intended to allow the recipient the time necessary for him or her to gain the education, job skills, and/or experience necessary to find employment (or a higher level of employment). 

Turn to an Experienced Chicago Spousal Support Attorney for the Legal Help You Need

The accomplished Chicago spousal support attorneys at WARD FAMILY LAW are well versed in the legal skills necessary to defend our clients’ legal rights to spousal support, and we’re here for you, too. For more information, please don’t wait to contact us today.