What is Spousal Support?
Sometimes during a divorce, one of the spouse's is required, or have agreed to, to provide financial support to the other. This legal financial obligation given to their former spouse is known as spousal support, maintenance and/or alimony. In Illinois, the law permits a spouse to temporarily ask for support while a divorce case is pending. Other cases where one of the spouses cannot provide for him/herself due to illness, age, or other factors, the Judge may order ongoing maintenance.
How is Spousal Support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois courts apply guidelines and limits when determining the amount of maintenance if the combined gross income of the parties is less than $500,000.00 and the payer has no prior maintenance obligations to pay from a prior relationship.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) provides a simple formula for determining maintenance when courts apply statutory guidelines. That formula is as follows:
Illinois Spousal Support Calculator
Estimate your entitled maintenance support
Step 1: Calculate 33% of Paying Spouse Net Income
Step 2: Calculate 25% of Maintenance Receiving Spouse Net Income
Use the Illinois formula to calculate estimated maintenance support
Maintenance = Step 1 - Step 2
Consider the Variables
When the parties have variable factors at play, such as variable or inconsistent income, bonuses, commissions and overtime, calculating the maintenance amount becomes a more complicated task.
To avoid frustrations and confusion, talk to an experienced spousal support attorney, such as Attorney Faye M. Lyon, to help you navigate this complex situation and guide you towards your best outcome.
Contact Attorney Faye M. Lyon for Assistance
Attorney Faye M. Lyon has worked many cases involving spousal support.
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