Maintenance

Maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support, is the financial support paid from one spouse to the other spouse following a divorce, as well as sometimes during a divorce. The purpose of maintenance is to enable a spouse who is not capable of supporting him or herself to continue to have the lifestyle to which he or she became accustomed during the marriage. The Illinois maintenance statute requires the Court to consider a number of different factors to determine if an award of maintenance is appropriate.

If the Court deems that maintenance is warranted, the next step is calculating the amount and duration of maintenance. The Court uses a statutory formula to determine the amount and duration of maintenance for the vast majority of cases. In some cases, the Court will allow for an upward or downward deviation from the amount calculated, however.

In determining whether maintenance is appropriate and the amount, our attorneys will thoroughly analyze lifestyle, income, cash flow and tax consequences to achieve an optimal result for you which protects your financial future.

Following an award of maintenance, different factors can impact the amount and duration of maintenance, including loss of employment, changes in either party’s income, remarriage, cohabitation, or death. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling maintenance related issues, including representing parties in cohabitation trials. The divorce attorneys at Collins Family Law will work with you to achieve creative solutions which serve your best interests.