Wheaton Spousal Maintenance Lawyer

Divorce Lawyers for Alimony Support in DuPage County and Surrounding Areas

At the DuPage County firm of Goostree Law Group, our experienced family lawyers handle all matters related to spousal maintenance. Whether you are seeking support in your divorce or you are being asked to make maintenance payments, our team can help you protect your rights. We can also assist with modifications to an existing order for spousal support.

The Basics of Maintenance in Illinois

Also known as spousal support or alimony, the term "maintenance" is used in Illinois law to describe payments made by one spouse to the other following a divorce between the parties. The higher-earning spouse may be required to make monthly payments to the lower-earning spouse, but maintenance is not automatic or assumed. Unless there is an agreement between the spouses, the court must determine that maintenance is necessary. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5) provides a number of factors that the court must consider in making its determination, including but not limited to:

• Each party's income and assets
• Each party's current and anticipated needs and expenses
• Each party's current and anticipated earning capacity
• The duration of the marriage
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Each party's contribution to earning capacity of the other party
• Whether additional marital property was allocated in lieu of maintenance

Once the need for maintenance has been established, the court must then determine the amount of the monthly payments and the length of time that the payments will continue. Illinois law provides a formula for calculating the amount of maintenance using each party's annual income, and the formula must be used in most cases. The law also provides a method for determining the term of the award based on the length of the marriage.

Aurora Divorce Counsel Protecting Your Rights

At Goostree Law Group, our attorneys are well-versed in the laws that govern maintenance payments. We are equipped to help prove your need for maintenance if you earn less than your soon-to-be ex-spouse. If you are being asked to provide spousal support, we will work hard to protect your rights and ensure that you have the resources necessary to create the post-divorce life you deserve. We strive to find creative solutions to all types of family law concerns, and we will help you stay focused on moving forward into a happier future for yourself and your children.

Contact a DuPage County Spousal Maintenance Attorney Today

If you are preparing for a divorce and have questions about maintenance in Illinois, contact our office, and one of our skilled family law attorneys will help you find the answers you need. Call 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation today. We will review your case, explain your available options, and assist you in making the best possible decisions for your family. Our firm provides top-quality representation to individuals and families in Wheaton, Aurora, Lisle, Woodridge, Downers Grove, Warrenville, DuPage County, and the surrounding areas.