Spousal Support Attorneys in Illinois

Leaving an unhappy marriage shouldn’t mean sacrificing your financial security. Yet for many people, that’s exactly what it feels like; they’re torn between the fear of not being able to make ends meet and the need to finally divorce. 

At SLG Family Law, we help clients find balance between emotional freedom and financial stability. With a clear understanding of Illinois spousal support laws and a commitment to protecting your long-term well-being, our spousal support attorneys guide you toward outcomes that are fair, sustainable, and grounded in respect for what you’ve contributed to your marriage.

What Is Spousal Support and What’s It For?

Spousal support, also called maintenance, is financial assistance paid from one spouse to another during or after divorce proceedings. Illinois law allows courts to award maintenance to either spouse based on fairness, without considering marital misconduct. The primary purpose is to address income disparities between spouses, helping the receiving spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living while transitioning to financial independence.

This support system recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities for domestic responsibilities or contributed to the other’s education and career advancement. Spousal support provides a financial bridge, allowing time for the receiving spouse to develop job skills, complete education, or reestablish their career.

Under What Circumstances Do Courts Award Spousal Support?

Illinois courts consider spousal support appropriate when there are significant income or earning potential differences between spouses. The court examines multiple factors to determine if maintenance is warranted, including:

• Each spouse’s income, property, and realistic earning capacity
• Individual needs and the standard of living established during marriage
• Any impairment to earning capacity due to domestic duties or forgone opportunities
• Time necessary to acquire education, training, or employment
• Parental responsibilities affecting employment ability
• Marriage duration, age, health, and vocational skills of each party
• Contributions to the other spouse’s education, training, or career development
• Tax consequences and any valid agreements between parties

The court has broad discretion in weighing these factors to reach a fair determination.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Illinois?

For couples with combined gross annual incomes under $500,000, Illinois uses a specific formula to calculate maintenance amounts and duration. The calculation involves:

Amount Formula:

• 33.33% of the paying spouse’s net annual income
• Minus 25% of the receiving spouse’s net annual income
• However, the total cannot exceed 40% of both spouses’ combined net income

Duration Calculation:

The support duration is determined by multiplying the marriage length by a statutory percentage:

• Less than 5 years: 20% of marriage duration
• 5-6 years: 24%
• 6-7 years: 28%
• 7-8 years: 32%
• 8-9 years: 36%
• 9-10 years: 40%
• 10-11 years: 44%
• 11-12 years: 48%
• 12-13 years: 52%
• 13-14 years: 56%
• 14-15 years: 60%
• 15-16 years: 64%
• 16-17 years: 68%
• 17-18 years: 72%
• 18-19 years: 76%
• 19-20 years: 80%
• 20+ years: Indefinite term or 100% of marriage duration

For incomes exceeding $500,000, courts have greater discretion in determining appropriate amounts.

SLG Family Law’s Spousal Support Lawyers Are Ready to  Support You

At SLG Family Law, our attorneys do more than apply formulas. We uncover the full story behind your marriage and finances to secure an outcome that reflects your reality, not just your income. We help you:

• Clarify what financial independence means for you. Whether you’ve been out of the workforce or managed your household full-time, we’ll help you map out a realistic, sustainable path forward.
• Anticipate the challenges ahead. From post-divorce budgeting to potential changes in employment or parenting responsibilities, we help you plan for what life looks like after the court order is in place.
• Protect what you’ve built. If you’ve supported your spouse’s career or made sacrifices that aren’t reflected on a pay stub, we’ll make sure your contributions are valued in court.
• Negotiate with strength and perspective. We focus on solutions that achieve fairness, whether through skilled negotiation or firm litigation, without letting conflict consume your resources or peace of mind.

We combine deep legal knowledge with compassion and foresight, helping you move forward with the confidence that your financial future is stable and your voice has been heard.

Contact SLG Family Law today to discuss your situation. We’ll help you achieve the fresh start you deserve.