Spousal maintenance, or alimony, provides necessary financial support to a spouse after a divorce. An alimony award can fill the gap in financial resources a divorce can cause.
In Illinois, the court can grant several different forms of alimony. They each serve specific purposes based on the needs and circumstances of the divorcing parties.
Temporary maintenance
The court may order temporary alimony during a divorce to help one spouse maintain their standard of living until the divorce concludes. It helps ensure both parties can manage their financial obligations while the divorce is ongoing.
Fixed-term support
As the name suggests, this type of alimony is granted for a specific predetermined period, allowing the recipient to become self-sufficient. For instance, it can support the receiving spouse during educational pursuits or job training.
Reviewable alimony
This type of alimony is awarded when one spouse needs time to obtain financial independence. After a preset period, a court reassessment will decide if the support should be extended, adjusted or ended based on the recipient’s progress and circumstances.
Indefinite maintenance
When one spouse is unlikely to become self-sufficient due to age, illness or other factors, the court may grant indefinite alimony. Typically reserved for long-term marriages, it lasts indefinitely but can be modified or terminated if circumstances change significantly.
Lump-sum award
Here, courts award a one-time payment of the entire alimony award instead of periodic payments. Lump-sum maintenance can provide immediate support to the financially disadvantaged party while allowing the spouses to break cleanly and end all financial ties.
If you intend to request alimony or are concerned about paying it, it’s important to have experienced legal guidance.
