Maintenance / Alimony
A clearer picture of support and what comes next.
Questions about financial support can shape how you plan for life after a separation or divorce. We’ll help you understand what information matters, what the court may consider, and how a proposed arrangement fits your circumstances.
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What is maintenance?
Maintenance, sometimes called alimony or spousal support, is financial support one spouse may pay to the other. In Illinois, either spouse may request it. An award is not automatic: the court first considers whether maintenance is appropriate, then addresses its amount and duration under the applicable law.
Questions that shape the conversation
Income and financial needs
What does each person earn, own, and need to meet ordinary expenses? Financial records help show the full picture.
Work and earning capacity
The court may consider employment history, future earning opportunities, and time spent supporting the household or a spouse’s career.
Marriage and family circumstances
The length of the marriage, health, property division, and other relevant circumstances may matter.
The terms of an order
Whether you are discussing a new award or an existing order, the details and timing deserve careful attention.
Questions we hear
Is maintenance the same as child support?
No. Maintenance concerns support between spouses. Child support addresses a parent’s financial responsibility for a child. A case may involve both.
Can an existing maintenance order change?
Some orders may be changed when the legal requirements are met; the terms of the order and the circumstances matter. Bring your order and any recent financial information so we can discuss your options.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Recent income information, a sense of your monthly expenses, and any existing court orders or agreements are useful. You can still contact us before gathering everything.
How long does maintenance last?
There is no single answer for every family. The applicable legal rules and facts of the marriage affect the duration, and the order itself matters.
Let’s talk through the numbers
Whether you may pay or receive maintenance, we can help you prepare for the decisions ahead.
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