In many marriages, one spouse earns more than the other spouse. As a result, the spouse who earns less comes to rely on the other spouse for financial support to maintain their shared standing of living. When a marriage ends in divorce, it can be difficult for the lower-income spouse to recover financially. Thankfully, Illinois courts often award spousal support, also known as alimony, in these cases. Spousal support is not a permanent solution, however. We will discuss how long spousal support lasts and when courts can terminate spousal support.
How Long Does Spousal Support Typically Last?
When an Illinois court decides that spousal support is necessary, they will typically calculate the length of support based on the length of the marriage. For marriages that lasted less than five years, spousal support should last for 20% of the length of the marriage. As the length of the marriage increases, so does the length of spousal support. When a couple has been married for 20 years or longer, the court may award spousal support for the full length of the marriage, or even indefinitely.
If you are considering getting divorced but you are concerned about how long you will receive spousal support, understanding spousal support calculations can help you make plans to increase your personal income in the future. Courts award spousal support so the person receiving support has time to become better educated, develop career skills, and seek new career opportunities to become gainfully employed.
These rules are constantly changing, however; for the most accurate estimate of spousal support you could be entitled to receive, reach out to an experienced divorce lawyer in Cook County today.
Other Ways Spousal Support Can End
Spousal support payments can end before the duration is complete in certain situations, including the following:
- The court orders temporary spousal support and sets an appropriate end date based on the facts in the case
- The court orders reviewable spousal maintenance and sets a date to review whether spousal support should continue
- The party receiving spousal support cohabitates with a romantic partner or remarries, typically terminating the spousal support immediately
- The court grants either spouse a modification to the original spousal support order, typically due to a change in either party’s income
The death of either party
While it is possible to petition the court to modify a spousal support agreement, the best time to present evidence in your favor is during the divorce process. Once the divorce decree is finalized, modifying spousal support can be difficult, and you will need to show a substantial change in circumstances. Your divorce lawyer can help you speak the best terms possible in your divorce regarding spousal support.
Contact an Illinois Divorce Lawyer
If you are considering a divorce in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is here to help. When you need an attorney, experience matters. We do not provide a free consultation because we view your initial consultation as the most important meeting you will have regarding your divorce. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.