Spousal Support Attorney
Helping Those in Need of a Spousal Support Attorney in Chicago, DuPage County, and Lake County
Illinois law provides guidelines for spousal support and maintenance payments for couples who are divorcing and where one spouse earns substantially more than the other. There are many reasons why a spouse may seek a spousal support attorney to help with spousal support maintenance (formerly known as alimony or spousal support) from his or her former partner. One spouse may have stayed home for child care reasons, or he or she may have been ill or disabled. The couple may have a small business or professional practice where the company is held in one person's name, and/or one spouse may have been going to school or taking care of the home while the other spouse worked. The list is practically endless.
In the state of Illinois, a family court will seek to set a fair support or maintenance amount with the help of a spousal support attorney if the couple is unable to reach an agreement without the court's help. The court will first determine whether maintenance is even appropriate in the case at hand. To do so, the court will take into consideration the number of years the couple has been married, the state of each party's health, as well as each party's access to assets and independent income. The logic behind these laws is to prevent either party from experiencing unnecessary financial hardship because of the divorce and to continue to enjoy a similar standard of living during and following the divorce as during the marriage, if possible.
If you are searching for an alimony attorney Chicago residents trust, it is important to work with someone familiar with the procedures of local courts, such as the Circuit Court of Cook County. Local judges follow Illinois statutes but also interpret them based on their courtroom experiences, which means having an attorney who regularly practices in these settings offers valuable insight when presenting your case. Understanding local court preferences can play a substantial role in determining outcomes for both temporary and long-term spousal support arrangements.
Need guidance on spousal support? Schedule a consultation online or call us at (312) 605-4041 today.
Calculating Spousal Support
If maintenance is found to be appropriate, the law provides a formula for calculating the amount to be paid. Under this formula, 25% of the recipient's net annual income will be subtracted from 33.33% of the payor's net annual income, and the resulting amount will be divided by 12 to determine the monthly support payments. When maintenance payments are added to the recipient's net income, the total cannot be more than 40% of the couple's combined net income. This formula is used for couples with a combined annual gross income of less than $500,000. Depending on the situation, however, the court may deviate from the statutory formula as long as the court justifies its decision. For couples who make more than $500,000 combined, the court may order a payment amount that is reasonable based on a full consideration of the couple's circumstances.
Navigating the calculation process can be overwhelming without guidance from a spousal support attorney that Chicago clients rely on. Our experience includes handling cases where unique financial circumstances—such as ownership of businesses or significant investment holdings—complicate the formula and require strategic advocacy. It is crucial to ensure all financial information is accurately presented to the court, so you receive a fair and equitable outcome in accordance with Illinois spousal maintenance law.
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!- Gloria B.
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"As a client of WKO, I highly recommend Amanda Oliver."She has extensive experience to address family law issues efficiently and effectively. She is direct, informative, knowledgeable, resourceful and well-respected in the legal community. I love how she anticipates and mitigates potential issues, strategizes next steps, and keeps me informed along the way. If you have to go thru the divorce process, you want Amanda in your corner. HIGHLY recommend!- Angela L.
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"Divorce isn’t always easy but Maxine and her team at WKO make it so."Maxine and her team have exceeded my expectations. Focused on the family and doing the right thing for everyone involved. Most importantly, my children. I’m deeply grateful for her efforts.- Stephen G.
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"I am so glad I chose Amanda & her team."I highly recommend Amanda Oliver & her team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Everyone I dealt with was professional, empathetic & compassionate. They make their clients their priority. Their fee structure was fair & very transparent.- Amy S.
Enlisting the Assistance of an Experienced Spousal Support Attorney
The new amendments to Illinois' spousal support laws make it even more imperative to enlist the assistance of a highly experienced spousal support lawyer before you face the judge in family court. Even the most amicable divorce can turn sour quickly when discussing money.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, we understand that you only want what is just. We will help you to stand up for the money you are entitled to after years of marriage. We will make sure the court understands the sacrifices you have made to support your family emotionally while your spouse was supporting the household financially. There is no reason that divorce should require you to take a severe economic blow.
The seasoned Illinois divorce and family law attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver have the experience necessary to help you get the spousal support and maintenance you deserve.
Many clients find it helpful to consult with a spousal support lawyer Chicago couples rely on for guidance regarding:
- Understanding how local precedents may affect maintenance awards in Chicago, Elmhurst, or Park Ridge family courts
- Determining the impact of employment changes on ongoing maintenance payments under Illinois law
- Knowing what steps to take if an ex-spouse fails to comply with a support order in DuPage County or Lake County courts
- Finding out how and when a modification or termination of spousal support might be possible due to substantial life changes
Consulting with an attorney in Illinois who is familiar with the procedures of the local family courts can provide clarity and confidence throughout this process.
Understanding the Types of Spousal Support and Modification Options
There are several types of spousal support available under Illinois law, each addressing specific circumstances during and after divorce. Temporary maintenance may be awarded while the divorce is pending. Fixed-term, reviewable, and permanent maintenance orders are structured differently based on the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and long-term earning potential. An alimony lawyer Chicago clients turn to can advise on which type may apply to your case and what evidence is needed to achieve a fair determination.
After a spousal support order is in place, a change in circumstances can lead to modification or even termination of maintenance. Loss of employment, a significant increase or decrease in income, or changes in health status could all warrant review by the court. Because each case presented before the family court in Cook County or surrounding counties involves unique factors, having a spousal support attorney Chicago residents recommend ensures that your interests remain safeguarded throughout any modification process.
Common issues that arise during the modification or enforcement of support include:
- Major changes in income, such as job loss or promotions
- Health challenges of either party that directly impact the ability to pay or receive
- Remarriage or cohabitation by the recipient
- Disputes regarding missed or late payments are addressed by the Circuit Court
Consulting with an attorney who understands the nuances of spousal support law in the Chicago area can help you navigate these changes quickly and protect your financial stability during every phase of your case.
To learn more about how the new amendments to Illinois' spousal support law can affect you, contact our law firm to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned spousal support attorneys.
Many clients have questions when looking for a spousal support lawyer Chicago families trust, including:
- How maintenance awards may differ depending on local precedents in the Chicago, Elmhurst, or Park Ridge family courts
- How changes in employment status can impact ongoing maintenance payments under Illinois law
- What steps to take if an ex-spouse does not comply with a support order in DuPage County or Lake County courts
- If a modification or termination of spousal support is possible based on substantial life changes
Having the guidance of a knowledgeable spousal support lawyer Chicago residents recommend can make an essential difference in addressing these concerns and protecting your financial future throughout the legal process.
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Mediation & Collaborative Law ExperienceOur attorneys are committed to helping clients explore alternate dispute resolution options, as we believe it empowers individuals to maintain control over the outcome of their case. This collaborative approach not only reduces conflict but often leads to more satisfying and lasting resolutions, ensuring our clients are happier with both the process and the result.
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Boutique Feel, High-Level ExperienceWe provide a tailored, deeply personal approach to family law, combining years of high-level experience with a commitment to understanding your specific needs. Our goal is to guide you through every stage of divorce with empathy, ensuring your family’s future is protected and your peace of mind restored.
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Personalized Service, Exceptional ValueWe pride ourselves on offering the same high level of expertise and experience as other boutique family law firms in downtown Chicago, Park Ridge, and Elmhurst. Our commitment to providing clients with more reasonable fees and direct access to the founding members of our firm, ensuring personalized attention and a deep, hands-on approach to each case.
