DuPage County Lawyers Handling Alimony Issues
Here in Illinois, the correct legal term for what was once called alimony is now maintenance. This reflects a shift over time to a court preference that most orders for payments other than child support to either spouse will be temporary, rather than indefinite or permanent.
Many Factors Enter Into Alimony/Maintenance Orders
In many divorces involving two working or otherwise self-sufficient people, no maintenance is awarded in the judgment of dissolution. Situations where the court does consider awarding maintenance include:
- Marriages in which one spouse has stayed home to focus on raising small children, while the other spouse continued in a career
- Circumstances such as age or health problems in which one spouse is prevented from being or becoming self-supportive
Even for a stay-at-home parent, the court will often grant maintenance only for a limited time as a "rehabilitative" spousal support measure. This reflects an intention to give this party time to advance his or her education, get specific job training, find work or become reacclimated in the workforce — in order to become economically independent.
Protecting Your Financial Interests Often Requires a Capable Lawyer
Whether maintenance/alimony is awarded at all, as well as the amount of these payments, is often the subject of negotiation or litigation. Our attorneys' skill and experience are significant assets in such disputes.
Unlike child support, there are no specific statutory or numerical guidelines for maintenance. Consequently, ensuring your spouse's current assets and earning potential are accurately represented to the court is essential. As a legal team skilled in establishing all financial facts through forensic accounting and other tools, we offer the resources you need to accomplish this objective.
Dispute over spousal maintenance is an area where the skill and experience of your divorce attorney can make a real difference for your financial future. Whether you believe you should receive maintenance or do not believe your divorcing spouse requires the money being sought, we will build the best case possible for you based on the facts of your situation.
We at Bennett Law Firm, LLC can help protect you against an unjust maintenance order you will later regret. Please contact us to discuss all aspects of your divorce case, including the issue of maintenance.
