How Much Alimony Will I Get in Illinois?

If you are considering getting a divorce in Illinois, one of the most important areas to address concerns ensuring your financial security in the aftermath. Adjusting to life on one income or after previously relying on your spouse as the primary breadwinner can be challenging. Spousal support payments, otherwise known as alimony in Illinois, can help. Find out whether you are entitled to these payments and how much you are likely to get.   

Am I Entitled to Alimony Payments?

Under the Illinois Statutes, alimony may be awarded in divorce cases if one spouse makes considerably less than the other or sacrifices their own career or education for the sake of their spouse or to take care of children from the marriage. Additional factors the judge is likely to consider both in determining whether alimony should be awarded and the amount that needs to be paid include: 

• The income and assets of each party, including both premarital property and any marital property and assets they may be entitled to in a divorce settlement;
• The financial needs of each spouse in providing for themselves;
• Each person’s earning capacity and the amount a non-working spouse is likely to make if they re-enter the workforce;
• The amount of time that may be needed for a non-working spouse to acquire the experience, education, or skills needed to make a reasonable income. 

Calculating Alimony in Illinois

When filing for a divorce through the Cook County Family Court or in other jurisdictions throughout Illinois, you will be required to fill out a financial affidavit. This details the total amount of income each party makes, their total marital property and assets (which is anything acquired during the marriage), and any premarital property either possesses. This will be used throughout your divorce case, both in determining marital property division and whether spousal support should be paid. 

If alimony is awarded, there is a standard formula the court typically follows: 

• They take 33% of the payer’s net income, which is your spouse’s earnings before taxes;
• They then subtract 25% of your gross income;
• The final amount is the total yearly spousal support owed, which is typically paid on a monthly basis. 

The amount of time you receive alimony depends on how long your marriage lasted. Generally, for every five years you were married, you are entitled to two years of alimony. 

Questions? Contact Our Chicago Area Alimony Attorneys

As there are multiple factors involved in calculating alimony payments, it can get confusing. To understand your rights regarding these payments and the amount you may be owed, contact The Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group and request a consultation with our Chicago area alimony attorneys today.