What Does an Alimony Payment Look Like in Chicago? Learn All about How Spousal Maintenance is Calculated in Chicago Divorce Cases

There is no doubt that the topic of alimony or “spousal maintenance” (these terms are often used interchangeably) is often one of intense controversy in many Chicago divorces. Indeed, whether the “breadwinning” spouse in the marriage will pay the other spouse a sum of money after the marriage to help the other spouse financially, and for how long and how much, is often of great concern to both parties in a Chicago divorce case. For the “breadwinning” spouse, or the spouse that made more money during the marriage, the idea of financially supporting their soon-to-be ex-spouse is sometimes a tough pill to swallow. On the other hand, the idea of starting completely fresh without any financial support can be devastating for the spouse who may not have been a high income-earner in the marriage, but instead raised the kids and supported the breadwinner. There is no easy way to cut it: alimony can be a difficult but important issue in a Chicago divorce. But how is alimony calculated in a Chicago divorce under Illinois marriage and divorce laws? To help divorcing couples and individuals in Chicago better understand how spousal maintenance, or alimony, is calculated, we answer that question here.

The Calculation of Spousal Maintenance Payments under Illinois Marriage and Divorce Laws

Under Illinois marriage and divorce laws, spousal maintenance, or alimony, in Chicago is calculated as follows: “…by taking 33 1/3% of the payor’s net annual income minus 25% of the payee’s net annual income.” Accordingly, the very basic spousal maintenance or alimony calculation under Illinois marriage and divorce laws is to take approximately 1/3 of the “breadwinner”-payor spouse’s income, and subtract 25% of the receiver-spouse’s income from that. However, there is also an exception to the spousal maintenance calculation law: “The amount calculated as maintenance, however, when added to the net income of the payee, shall not result in the payee receiving an amount that is in excess of 40% of the combined net income of the parties.” In sum, whatever spousal maintenance or alimony is calculated using the basic formula under Illinois marriage and divorce laws, it cannot exceed 40% of the combined net income of the divorcing spouses.

Legal Help with Your Spousal Maintenance or Alimony Issues in Chicago – Chicago Maintenance Lawyer

There is no doubt that alimony and spousal maintenance issues can be both heated and complex in your Chicago divorce case. If you are seeking legal help with alimony or spousal maintenance issues in your Chicago divorce and you need legal help, contact the experienced Chicago maintenance lawyers at the law firm of Arnoux Sharma & Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago maintenance lawyers at the law firm of Arnoux Sharma & Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago couples and individuals with their complex alimony and maintenance matters. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact Arnoux Sharma & Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer now.

Source:

ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k504.htm