Representing People in Chicago, Wheaton and Oswego
Just as money can be an issue for parties during the marriage, it should come as no surprise that money is often the cause of angry disputes during a divorce. This is especially true when the payments could last a lifetime, such as spousal support and alimony. Sometimes people believe that they have financially supported their spouse throughout the marriage and should not have to continue to do so. The other person may believe that he or she should be compensated for non-monetary contributions and sacrifices that he or she made during the marriage.
The Chicago alimony lawyers at Esp, Kreuzer, Cores & McLaughlin, LLP, have the experience to assist you in cases that involve long-term spousal maintenance or support. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing individuals who are seeking spousal maintenance as well as those who are contesting it.
What Will Long-Term Maintenance Mean for You?
There is not a statutory formula for determining spousal support in Illinois. The lack of rigid guidelines means that the judge who decides your case has considerable flexibility and discretion in making his or her ruling. To present your strongest argument, you want to work with an experienced divorce lawyer.
Long-term spousal maintenance is generally awarded if one spouse is unable to earn a living and/or was in a long-term marriage. Payments may last for a period of time or even indefinitely, but will as matter of law terminate when one of the following occurs:
- The spouse receiving the maintenance remarries
- The spouse receiving the maintenance lives with another person in a continuing, conjugal basis
- Either spouse dies
Spousal support is payments that are usually tax-deductible for the payer and taxable to the person who receives the payments. Depending on the financial circumstances of both parties, it may make sense to discuss a property settlement in lieu of spousal support.
To make an appointment with our DuPage County divorce lawyers, please call 630-871-1002 or contact us online.
