Chicago Alimony/Maintenance Lawyer
Dealing with a divorce is no easy task, especially if you have been married a long time. You’ll need to split assets and debts. If you have children, you’ll need to determine child custody and support. In some cases, alimony may even be involved.
Alimony is often seen as a dirty word in divorce proceedings. Nobody wants to keep giving money to an ex-spouse after their divorce has been finalized, but Illinois law allows for it. So what are your rights and responsibilities?
If you are getting divorced in Illinois, you’ll want to understand whether or not alimony will be in play. Contact a Chicago alimony/maintenance lawyer from Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC today to discuss your situation and find solutions that fit your needs.
Types of Alimony in Illinois
When it comes to alimony, there are several types to choose from under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. They are as follows:
- Temporary. Temporary alimony is available only while the divorce is pending. It allows the recipient to pay for living expenses should the couple decide to live separately during the divorce. It ends once the divorce is finalized.
- Fixed-term. This type of alimony is available for a temporary period. Also known as rehabilitative alimony, it is meant to help the recipient get on their feet. It is meant for those with limited earning capacities due to a lack of education or work experience.
- Reviewable. This type of alimony is also short-term, but it can continue subject to court review. The alimony is reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether or not it is still needed. This type of alimony is for those who are struggling to get into a career or parents caring for a special needs child.
- Permanent. Permanent alimony, as the name implies, lasts until either the payer or recipient dies. It is only available for marriages that have lasted 20 years or longer. In those cases, the alimony can be permanent or be awarded for a period of time equal to the length of the marriage.
Generally, the period of alimony is based on the length of the marriage. The guideline durations increase as time goes on, but those married for less than five years may get one year of alimony, while those married 12 years may get six years of alimony.
Contact Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC Today
Alimony is something that high earners try to avoid paying, but if your spouse makes a lot less than you, then you will likely have to pay up. And if you were married for a long time, then you will likely have to make alimony payments for a long time.
The team at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC can help you understand alimony. If you’re the breadwinner, will you have to pay it? If you don’t have a job, will you be able to receive it? To schedule a consultation with a Chicago alimony/maintenance attorney, fill out the online form or call (312) 863-2800.
