Chicago Alimony Calculator

A major issue in divorce concerns how you will support yourself in the aftermath. This is particularly true if you make significantly less than your spouse. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to alimony payments. Get an estimate of the amount by using our Chicago alimony calculator. 

Are You Entitled to Alimony in Your Chicago Divorce?

Guidelines for alimony in Chicago, often referred to as spousal maintenance, are listed under the Illinois Statutes (750 ILCS 5/504). Alimony can help you obtain the experience, education, and skills needed to reenter the workplace and maintain the same standard of living you enjoyed during your marriage. Factors that go into determining whether you are entitled to alimony in your Illinois divorce include: 

• The length of your marriage;
• Each parties age and overall health;
• Their individual income and assets;
• Whether one spouse sacrificed their own career or education for the sake of supporting their spouse or taking care of children from their relationship. 

Another common factor that can impact your rights to alimony in Chicago concerns marital misconduct. If your spouse engaged in behaviors, such as adultery or addictions, that depleted marital assets as a result, this increases your chances of getting alimony payments. However, fif you are the one accused of marital misconduct, it could impact your rights to alimony in Illinois divorce proceedings. 

Determining the Amount of Alimony You are Entitled to

When filing for a divorce through the Cook County Circuit Court, alimony is one of the items you can request in your divorce petition. If alimony is awarded, how much are you likely to receive in payments? Generally, the basic formula the courts follow is to take 33% of the paying spouse’s income and deduct 25% of your income, which determines your yearly alimony payment. For example: 

• Your spouse’s income equals $100,000 per year;
• Your own income totals $20,000 per year;
• The equation to calculate alimony payments in this case would be $33,000 minus $5,000;
• The amount of yearly maintenance would be roughly $28,000, depending on other factors involved. 

In determining the amount of alimony payments in Chicago, the amount of time you are entitled to receive these payments is another important consideration. Generally, this would depend on the number of years you were married. To get an estimate based on your specific situation, use our Alimony Calculator for Illinois Couples. 

Request a Consultation With Our Chicago Alimony Attorneys

Alimony may be a key issue in your divorce. To find out how much you may be entitled to, reach out to Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group. Call or contact our Chicago alimony attorneys online and request a consultation today.