Chicago Spousal Support Attorney
Ensuring Your Financial Needs Are Met
Chicago Spousal Support Attorney Denise Erlich Can Help Maintain That Standard After Your Divorce
Your financial well-being should not be in jeopardy simply because you’ve decided to divorce. A spousal maintenance agreement can provide you with financial balance, limiting the adverse economic effects you might otherwise face. Spousal support attorney Denise Erlich can help you pursue alimony from your soon-to-be ex, so you can enjoy the financial foundation you need to move forward after divorce.
At the Erlich Law Office, we understand how overwhelming divorce can feel, especially when finances are uncertain. Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay, Denise will carefully evaluate your circumstances, advocate for your interests, and fight for a fair outcome.
Chicago spousal support attorney Denise Erlich can help make sure your alimony arrangement is fair. Call (630) 538-5331.
What Is Spousal Support?
Also referred to in Illinois as spousal maintenance or alimony, spousal support is sometimes awarded to a spouse during and after a divorce to help ensure financial stability. It enables the recipient to maintain a similar standard of living that he or she grew accustomed to during the marriage.
In Illinois, spousal maintenance is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Judges consider statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, the income of both parties, age and health, earning potential, and the contributions each spouse made to the household.
Some of the most common types of spousal support include:
Temporary Spousal Support
During divorce proceedings, the court may order one spouse to provide financial support until the case is finalized.
Fixed-Term Spousal Maintenance
Courts may award spousal support for a set period to give the receiving spouse time to become self-supporting.
Reviewable Maintenance
Payments continue until a scheduled review date, when the court re-examines whether support should be extended, modified, or terminated.
Rehabilitative Maintenance
Designed to help the supported spouse pursue education, job training, or work experience that leads to financial independence.
Indefinite Maintenance
For marriages lasting 20 years or longer, courts may order spousal support without an end date, subject to modification.
Chicago spousal support attorney Denise Erlich can help make sure your alimony arrangement is fair. Call (630) 538-5331 today.
How Is Alimony Determined?
State statutes establish a clear calculation for determining spousal support awards in Illinois. In deciding whether to issue orders for alimony, the courts will consider varying factors. Chicago alimony lawyer Denise Erlich will guide you through the legal process, helping you obtain the support you need as you transition through this time of change.
Spousal Support Guidelines
A set formula typically determines the spousal support amount for Illinois maintenance petitions. To calculate the amount to be paid each month, the formula subtracts 25% of the receiver’s monthly net income from 33% of the payer’s monthly net income. Using this formula, the court will not order payments that exceed 40% of both spouses’ net income.
Additional factors include:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Contributions to the household, including non-financial ones
- Age, health, and future earning capacity of each spouse
- Any agreements between the parties (prenuptial or postnuptial)
Chicago alimony lawyer Denise Erlich guides clients through this process, ensuring that all relevant details are presented to the court.
Modification and Termination of Spousal Support
Spousal support orders are not always permanent. In Illinois, you may request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in income
- Job loss, disability, or retirement
- Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse
- Changes in health or financial obligations
When Does Spousal Support End?
- Automatically when the receiving spouse remarries
- When the supported spouse cohabits in a supportive relationship
- Upon the death of either spouse
- If the court modifies or vacates the order
Denise Erlich represents clients in Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County who need to pursue or defend against modification or enforcement actions.
A Spousal Support Attorney Can Help Make Sure Your Alimony Agreement Is Fair
The last thing families need when going through the difficult process of divorce is additional financial stress. Denise Erlich will evaluate your unique situation to make sure your maintenance agreement is fair and realistic. She takes into account statutory guidelines, local court practices, and practical realities that affect both parties.
By negotiating effectively and presenting persuasive evidence, Denise helps her clients secure support that allows them to move forward with confidence.
Spousal Support Attorney Denise Erlich Handles the Following Alimony Matters
Spousal maintenance attorney Denise Erlich helps divorcing couples in Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, and the surrounding counties find solutions that work. We can help with:
Denise was everything that we were looking for in a lawyer. She was open and honest with us about how she believed the case would go and helped us work through an uphill custody battle. She was both professional and personable. She answered all of our questions, provided solid counsel, and was very timely with getting back to us. We have used her for several occasions and are extremely satisfied with her work and commitment to helping our family. If you are looking for representation, I would wholeheartedly recommend her and her team for your needs.
FAQs About Spousal Support in Illinois
In Illinois, you may request spousal support after filing for the dissolution of your marriage. Your divorce lawyer can help you take the appropriate legal actions to ensure your spousal maintenance award is fair.
Failing to fulfill your court-ordered spousal maintenance obligation may result in enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, fines, and even jail time.
In Illinois, alimony durations vary case by case. Factors such as the length of the marriage will determine how long the court orders a spouse to make payments.
Yes. Spouses may waive maintenance in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement if the waiver is fair and voluntary.
For divorces finalized after January 1, 2019, maintenance is not taxable income to the recipient and is not deductible for the payer.
Yes. Awards are based solely on need and statutory factors—not gender.