Spousal support, also known as maintenance, is a payment that you are ordered to make to your spouse in the event of divorce. Spousal support can be temporary or permanent with an end date often decided by when the receiving spouse remarries or when the time limit defined in the order has passed.

Temporary spousal support will also end once you pay off what you owe under the terms set out in your court order. The amount paid is usually figured up by subtracting a certain percentage of the payor’s income from a certain percentage of the payee’s income.

Spousal support is not always part of a divorce but it can be depending on your circumstances. To see if you may be eligible for spousal support payments, contact our law firm today at (312) 757-4833 to receive the legal help and guidance that can help you through your divorce.

Is Spousal Support Always Required?

Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is not automatically required in every divorce case. Whether or not spousal support is awarded depends on various factors that the family court carefully considers on a case by case basis.

The court determines if awarding spousal support is appropriate based on the financial needs of the requesting spouse and the other spouse’s ability to provide financial support.

Some divorces may not involve any spousal support payments at all, especially if both parties are financially independent or if the marriage was short and neither spouse became financially dependent on the other. However, in cases where one spouse sacrificed career opportunities, education, or earning capacity to raise children or support the other spouse, the court is more likely to award spousal support to help maintain a similar standard of living.

Spousal support can take different forms, including temporary support during the divorce process, rehabilitative alimony to help the dependent spouse gain job skills or education, or permanent support in long term marriages where self-sufficiency may not be achievable. The court also considers the length of the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, and any child support payments that are involved.

Ultimately, the decision to award spousal support is based on various factors and is tailored to the unique circumstances of each divorce case. It is important to understand that spousal support is meant to provide financial support to the dependent spouse, ensuring they can maintain financial stability while transitioning to independence or for a longer period if necessary.

How Long is Spousal Support Paid Out?

While you may be ordered to pay spousal support, there are many factors that determine how long your payments last. If the payment is temporary, it may end after a set amount of time or once you’ve paid off what you owe under the terms set out in your court order.

The length of time for permanent spousal support can range up to an indefinite period of time but it is generally calculated through a statute. The statute has a guideline formula for calculating the length of maintenance based on the length of the marriage.

The duration of spousal support often depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the recipient spouse, and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. For shorter marriages, support might be awarded for a limited time to allow the recipient spouse to become financially independent. Longer marriages, especially those lasting 20 years or more, may result in indefinite maintenance or permanent support.

Additionally, the type of spousal support awarded can influence the duration. Temporary alimony usually lasts only during the divorce proceedings or for a short rehabilitative period, helping the recipient spouse gain job skills or education to become self-sufficient. Permanent alimony, on the other hand, may continue until the recipient spouse remarries, either spouse passes away, or the court modifies the order based on changed circumstances.

Other relevant factors that courts consider when determining the length of spousal support include the age and health of both spouses, the standard of living established during the marriage, and whether the recipient spouse is financially dependent. The court also evaluates any contributions made by one spouse to the career or education of the other, as well as the presence of minor children and child support obligations.

To see if you qualify for spousal support or how long you might be expected to pay or receive alimony, please contact us today for more information on divorce and divorce-related matters.

Can a Divorce Lawyer Help Me With Spousal Support?

If you are interested in receiving spousal support following a divorce, having an experienced family law attorney can help you through the process. Spousal support varies depending on the circumstances of each case.

It is very important that you have an experienced family law lawyer who can help protect your rights throughout this trying time. We can fight to ensure you receive the payments you deserve and assist you with other aspects of your divorce.

Which Divorce Law Firm in Chicago Should I Hire?

If you are looking for a divorce lawyer in Chicago or an experienced family law attorney who can help with all aspects of your divorce, consider hiring a Chicago divorce attorney from our experienced law firm. We will work hard to get you the results that you want in your case. Contact Buchanan Law Group today at (312) 757-4833 for compassionate and strong representation for your divorce.