Champaign Spousal Support Attorney Litigates Alimony Disputes

Spousal support law firm works tirelessly for fair awards

If you are going through a divorce, you can be anxious about your finances. One of the most important issues to be decided is whether you must pay or can receive spousal support, also known as alimony. At Rogers Law Office in Champaign, I work to ensure fair spousal support arrangements based on the facts of your situation. Illinois law applies a detailed formula to calculating the amount and duration of spousal support, but final orders are up to the discretion of a judge who evaluates all relevant factors. I draw on more than 20 years of experience to build a compelling case for a just result for my client.

Am I entitled to alimony in Illinois?

Spousal support in Illinois is gender neutral, so it’s not automatic that a husband pays and a wife receives. Either spouse can petition for alimony, but awards are based on financial need, fairness, and how long the marriage lasted before the dissolution. As with child support, the state has legislative guidelines for calculating awards.

What kind of spousal support is available in Illinois?

Spousal support falls into three basic categories:

• Temporary support — Also called pendente lite alimony, this type of support is ordered during the divorce process and may be used in part for legal expenses. The order terminates when the court issues the final divorce decree.
• Rehabilitative support — This type of alimony is designed to support a dependent spouse during a period of transition, allowing time for that spouse to pursue education or job training to become self-supporting.
• Permanent spousal support — Also known as lifetime alimony, this type of support is reserved for marriages of long duration, generally 20 years or more, or for cases where a dependent spouse is incapable of becoming self-supporting.

Parties to divorce can also negotiate a settlement, which might include a one-time, lump sum support payment.

What factors will the court consider when deciding spousal support?

The court ultimately has discretion to deviate from the guidelines if fairness dictates. Factors the court considers include:

• The finances of each spouse
• The needs of each spouse
• The earning capacity of each spouse
• Career sacrifices one spouse has made for the sake of the marriage or the other spouse’s career
• The time a dependent spouse needs to become self-supporting
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The age and physical health of each spouse
• Tax consequences
• Terms of a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement

The court is allowed to consider any other factor it deems relevant to arriving at a fair result. As your counsel, I will bring to the court’s attention all information that is helpful to your position.

Contact an experienced Illinois spousal support attorney in Champaign, IL

Rogers Law Office in Champaign, Illinois provides determined representation for alimony disputes. Please call 217-318-0677 or contact me online to schedule a confidential consultation.