Chicago Spousal Support Lawyer

Get Your Fair Due With Our Chicago Alimony Attorneys

Very few aspects of divorce are as hotly contested as spousal support, also referred to as alimony. In Illinois, there is no specific formula for determining the amount and duration of spousal support, so having an aggressive divorce attorney fighting for your best interests is critical. That’s us. Our Chicago, IL, spousal support lawyer can represent either the paying or receiving spouses in alimony cases. We are determined, we know Illinois family law and case law well, and we’re committed to the best outcome in your alimony case.

If you’ve put your own career aspirations on hold to support your spouse’s professional journey, we agree that you should be entitled to maintain a similar standard of living during and after the divorce. Or, if you’re the one being asked to pay spousal maintenance, you may rightly feel it’s unfair to part with the income you’ve worked hard to earn.​

At Merel Family Law, we understand that spouses in both situations have valid expectations. We’re committed to representing your interests and advocating for a fair outcome, even in the most contentious divorces. Let’s get started. Call us today to get to work on your fair alimony award.

Illinois Spousal Support Laws And Your Divorce

Illinois judges award alimony based on several factors:

• Duration of the marriage: longer marriages typically mean more spousal support
• Earning potential and employability of each spouse
• The health (physical and mental) of each spouse, including whether one spouse requires long-term care
• The standard of living the couple enjoyed during the marriage
• Reasonable needs of each spouse and their respective abilities to meet them

There are other factors and no strict rules about awarding alimony. Some couples have comparable incomes and earning potentials, making spousal support unnecessary. Others may have significant disparities, so the judge may award more than the typical amount. Each case is unique. Our attorneys tailor our approach to your specific circumstances and objectives.​

How Our Chicago Spousal Support Lawyer Assists You

If you’re seeking spousal support, our attorneys build a strong case justifying the amount and duration you seek. We often secure the services of forensic accountants to assess your spouse’s assets and earning capacity. This has the added benefit of exploring the possibility of assets, income, or investments that your spouse may not have disclosed during discovery.

We also consider your specific situation. Perhaps you’ve dropped out of your career path or postponed your education to support your spouse or raise shared children, leaving you at a disadvantage professionally. We negotiate sufficient support to help you complete your education or vocational training and provide the means to maintain a lifestyle similar to that you had during your marriage.​

If you’re the spouse being asked to provide maintenance, we scrutinize your spouse’s earning potential and job prospects, often with the input of vocational experts. Then, our Chicago spousal support lawyer crafts a compelling case demonstrating that your spouse can support themselves without additional financial assistance from you. As hard-working professionals ourselves, we recognize the effort and sacrifices you’ve made to advance your career, and understandably, you wish to retain the income you’ve earned.​

Divorce has enough challenges without worrying about how you’re going to support yourself after the split. We’re here to fight for every penny you deserve. Contact Merel Family Law for a personalized case evaluation.

Types Of Spousal Support Cases We Handle

At Merel Family Law, we’ve been helping individuals and families address their legal needs with care and precision since 2009. Our team brings together 221 collective years of experience in family law and has been recognized both locally and nationally for our work. With hundreds of five-star reviews, we take pride in providing the level of service expected from a large firm while offering the personal attention each client deserves. If you’re looking for a Chicago, IL spousal support lawyer who will advocate for your financial stability, we’re here to help.

Temporary Support During Divorce Proceedings

Many people do not realize that they may be entitled to temporary alimony and child support before their divorce is finalized and these are things we help clients seek. This can include financial assistance for basic living expenses, housing, and other essential costs while longer-term issues are being resolved.

Long-Term Maintenance After Divorce

In some cases, long-term support may be appropriate, particularly when one spouse has significantly less earning capacity or gave up a career to support the household. We help clients evaluate appropriate durations and amounts for ongoing maintenance.

Short-Term Or Rehabilitative Support

When support is needed only for a limited period—such as during job training or education—we work with clients to create reasonable, time-bound arrangements that promote financial independence.

Support In High Net Worth Divorces

Divorces involving significant income or assets often raise questions about standard of living and appropriate support levels. Our Chicago spousal support lawyer understands how important it is to have all the information necessary to come to a fair and just agreement based on accurate financial data and how sometimes we need to dig deeper to uncover everything to do this.

Modifying Existing Support Orders

Life changes, such as job loss or remarriage, may lead to a need for modification. We help clients seek or contest changes to existing spousal support orders when circumstances have materially shifted.

Disputes Over Voluntary Underemployment

If one party claims they cannot work or earn more than a minimal income, we help examine whether that claim is reasonable. In cases of voluntary underemployment, we work to protect our clients from unfair support obligations.

Termination Of Support Obligations

We assist clients who believe their support responsibilities should end—whether due to cohabitation, remarriage, or a court-defined time period. These cases often require a careful review of current legal agreements and evidence of change.

Support Involving Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreements

When spousal support terms are outlined in a prior agreement, we evaluate whether those terms still apply and how they impact current proceedings. Enforcement or challenge of those terms can be an important part of the divorce process.

At Merel Family Law, we work closely with clients to pursue fair and balanced outcomes in spousal support matters. Our experienced and compassionate Chicago spousal support lawyer knows how important it is to secure your finances and financial future when you are going through a divorce and we will do this with professionalism and straight talk. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the support arrangement that’s right for you.

Common Myths People Believe About Spousal Support

At Merel Family Law, we regularly hear misconceptions from clients about how spousal support works in Illinois. Whether you’re expecting to pay or receive it, being informed is essential. Our award-winning, nationally and locally recognized lawyers have over 221 years of combined experience and 100s of five-star Google reviews. Working with a seasoned Chicago, IL spousal support lawyer can help clarify what to expect and to clarify what is myth and what is the truth.

● Spousal Support Is Guaranteed In Every Divorce
Many people assume that spousal support is automatic. In reality, it depends on factors like income differences, length of the marriage, and each party’s financial needs and resources. The court evaluates each situation individually.

● Only Women Receive Spousal Support
Spousal support is based on financial circumstances, not gender. Men can and do receive support when appropriate. Courts focus on need and ability to pay, not outdated assumptions about traditional family roles.

● Spousal Support Lasts Forever
Long-term support is less common than most think. The duration of support often aligns with the length of the marriage and other situational factors. In many cases, payments are time-limited or subject to review.

● Spousal Support Cannot Be Changed
Another myth is that once set, support terms are final. In truth, life changes—like job loss or remarriage— and these types of things can be reasons to modify or terminate payments. A knowledgeable Chicago spousal support lawyer can help with post-decree changes.

● Support Payments Are Always Based On A Set Formula
Unlike child support, which typically follows a formula, spousal support allows more judicial discretion. Courts consider multiple factors, which means outcomes can vary even in similar situations.

● Spousal Support Is Only For Stay-At-Home Parents
Support is not limited to one type of financial dependency. A spouse who worked part-time or stepped back from a career to support the household may also qualify. Courts consider contributions beyond income alone. If you are the only person in the marriage who earned money during it or if you stayed at home from pursuing the career you had prior to having children with your ex, a lawyer can help to determine the payments you may wind up paying or receiving.

● You Can Avoid Paying Support If You Quit Your Job
Some think that reducing income on purpose means avoiding obligations. But courts can impute income based on earning potential if they believe someone is intentionally underemployed.

● Lump-Sum Payouts Are Always Better
While a lump sum may seem simpler, it depends on your financial picture and long-term goals. Sometimes periodic payments offer more flexibility or tax benefits, depending on how the agreement is structured.

● Spousal Support Is The Same As Marital Property
Spousal support and asset division are handled separately. Equitable distribution of property doesn’t automatically cancel out the need for ongoing support if one spouse still lacks financial stability.

● You Don’t Need A Lawyer For A Support Agreement
Trying to resolve support without legal guidance can lead to unfair or unsustainable terms. While a lawyer cannot guarantee any outcomes, having their support early on can help them to build a good case for protecting your current and long-term financial interests.

Clearing Up Confusion About Support

When people rely on myths instead of facts, they risk making decisions that may not serve them well. At Merel Family Law, we focus on helping clients understand what Illinois law actually allows—and what it doesn’t. If you’re looking to speak with a Chicago spousal support lawyer who can help you evaluate your position clearly and practically, reach out to our team today to schedule a conversation.

Chicago Spousal Support FAQs

Merel Family Law has been helping people with family law matters since 2009. We understand how stressful and overwhelming divorce and all of the things that come with it are, and our Chicago, IL spousal support lawyer is here for you. For your convenience, we have three offices in Illinois, one in Michigan, and are available by phone and Zoom. Whether you’re considering filing for divorce or have already started the process, it’s natural to have questions about spousal support—how it works, how long it lasts, and what your rights are. We have 24/7 live answering so that you can give us a call if you have questions or need help, any time of the day or night, any day of the year

Below, we address some of the most common questions we receive from our clients.

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support, sometimes referred to as alimony or maintenance, is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. It’s meant to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and a standard of living similar to what was experienced during the marriage. Spousal support is not automatic; it depends on several factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and their individual needs. Our goal is to help clients pursue a fair outcome that reflects their circumstances.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated In Illinois?

In Illinois, courts use a guideline formula to help determine spousal support amounts, but judges can also consider additional factors. The general formula applies when the couple’s combined annual income is below a certain limit. It’s based on the difference between each spouse’s income, as well as how long they were married. However, the court may adjust the amount or duration depending on health, earning capacity, and any agreements made during the divorce. Our Chicago spousal support lawyer works with clients to present accurate financial information and advocate for fair results.

What Should I Do If My Ex Is Not Paying Their Spousal Support?

If your former spouse stops making required payments, there are legal steps you can take to enforce the support order. In Illinois, the court may use wage garnishment, seize tax refunds, or even hold the non-paying party in contempt. It’s important not to handle the issue informally or retaliate by withholding parenting time or other obligations. We help clients file enforcement motions and gather documentation that supports their claim so the court can take appropriate action to recover unpaid amounts.

Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Spousal Support?

For divorces finalized after 2018, spousal support payments are no longer tax-deductible for the payer and are not considered taxable income for the recipient. This change came from federal tax law revisions, meaning the IRS does not treat support payments as income or deductions in newer cases. However, if your divorce was finalized before 2019, the old tax rules may still apply unless both parties agreed to modify the order under new laws. We help clients understand how these tax rules affect their specific situation.

What Disqualifies You From Alimony In Illinois?

In Illinois, certain circumstances can prevent or end eligibility for spousal support. If the receiving spouse remarries or begins cohabiting with a new partner, support typically stops. Fraud, hidden income, or significant misconduct may also influence whether support is granted. The court looks at each case individually, focusing on fairness and need. Factors such as self-sufficiency or substantial personal assets can also make someone ineligible for maintenance. We help clients understand what applies to their unique situation and how to address potential challenges.

Protecting Your Financial Future

It is important to know what your rights are when you are getting divorced or legally separated, especially your rights around spousal support. Merel Family Law and our dedicated Chicago spousal support lawyer team is available for legal guidance and support. Whether you’re seeking support, modifying an existing order, or enforcing payments, our attorneys are here to provide knowledgeable representation and practical solutions that protect your financial stability moving forward.