Orland Park, IL Spousal Support Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers for Maintenance and Alimony in Orland Park, Illinois Divorce Cases

In some cases, the divorce process can leave one spouse facing serious financial challenges. When a person has relied on their spouse to earn most of the family's income, or when they have limited work experience and would struggle to make enough money to address their ongoing needs, they may be eligible to receive ongoing support payments.

Illinois law allows a financially-disadvantaged spouse to request maintenance—also known as spousal support or alimony—during the divorce process. Determining whether a person is eligible to receive maintenance will require a detailed review of a couple's income and finances. These issues can be complicated, especially when combined with other financial concerns that may play a role in a divorce.

When addressing concerns related to alimony, having a skilled attorney on your side is crucial. At The Foray Hurst Firm, our lawyers have more than 30 combined years of experience handling family law issues on behalf of our clients. We can advocate for your interests while making sure all financial factors involved in your case will be addressed correctly. Our goal is to ensure that you will be prepared for ongoing financial success once your divorce has been finalized.

Legal Factors Affecting Alimony

Spousal support is not automatic in an Illinois divorce, and it is not presumed to be appropriate. It will only be awarded by the court if a person can demonstrate that they have a reasonable need. Spouses may also agree that spousal maintenance will be paid as part of a divorce settlement.

One of the most important factors considered when determining whether there is a need for alimony is the difference in income between the spouses. However, this is not the only consideration. Each party's ability to generate income in the future will also be taken into account. The length of the marriage and the standard of living a couple enjoyed during their marriage will also be considered. For example, a person who left their job 20 years ago to raise their children would probably have a better case for receiving maintenance than someone who was married just a few years ago and continued on their career path while they were married.

Depending on the circumstances of a case, the court may order maintenance to be paid while a divorce is pending. A spouse may request temporary relief, asking for support that will help them address their needs as they make changes, such as moving out of the family home and finding new living arrangements. However, a temporary order for maintenance will not automatically translate into a more permanent award. The court will review multiple financial factors to decide whether ongoing maintenance will be appropriate.

If the court decides to award spousal support, there are guidelines in Illinois law that will be used to calculate how much will be paid and for how long. The income of each party will be factored into the calculations, and the length of the marriage will determine how long support will be paid. However, the court has the discretion to deviate from the statutory guidelines when necessary.

Protecting Your Best Interests in Divorce Cases Involving Spousal Support

The experienced team at The Foray Hurst Firm proudly serves clients from all types of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including African-Americans and Latinos, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. We treat each client with dignity and respect, developing solutions customized to meet their unique needs.

Our lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience in the practice of divorce and family law. We know that many divorcing spouses can work together to negotiate an amicable divorce agreement that includes maintenance. Cooperation, however, is not always possible, and sometimes, litigation may be necessary. Our firm represents the interests of people who are seeking spousal support and those who are being asked to pay maintenance. We work to ensure that our clients' rights and financial interests will be protected at all times.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Spousal Maintenance Lawyers

To make sure issues related to spousal maintenance will be addressed correctly during your divorce, get in touch with The Foray Hurst Firm. We will help you understand the factors that may affect your ability to receive spousal support or your requirement to pay support to your ex-spouse. Contact our Orland Park alimony attorneys at 312-702-1293 to schedule a confidential consultation today.