Spousal Support Calculator
Illinois Spousal Support Calculator
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs the distribution of alimony, also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance in Illinois. These laws were substantially amended in 2019, and the formulas below refer to all divorces filed in 2019 or later.
In Illinois, the basic alimony formula is as follows:
(33% of the payer’s net income) – (25% of the recipient’s net income) = the yearly maintenance paid.
One stipulation is that the sum awarded cannot result in the receiving partner earning more than 40% of the couple’s total net income.
Estimate Alimony Payments
*Please keep in mind that these are just projections, and the sums shown are based solely on your inputs and do not account for the financial effect of separating assets or debts. This calculator is just meant to give you a rough estimate of how much spousal maintenance costs.
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What Is the Duration of My Spousal Maintenance Payments?
The duration of spousal support or maintenance payments in Illinois is primarily determined by the period of the marriage. Payments will be made for a percentage of the years of marriage, with the percentage increasing as the marriage progresses, as seen below.
- Married less than 5 years: 0.20
- Married 5 years: 0.24
- Married 6 years: 0.28
- Married 7 years: 0.32
- Married 8 years: 0.36
- Married 9 years: 0.40
- Married 10 years: 0.44
- Married 11 years: 0.48
- Married 12 years: 0.52
- Married 13 years: 0.56
- Married 14 years: 0.60
- Married 15 years: 0.64
- Married 16 years: 0.68
- Married 17 years: 0.72
- Married 18 years: 0.76
- Married 19 years: 0.80
- Married For 20 years or more: Courts can choose to order permanent spousal maintenance or maintenance for a length equal to the length of the marriage.
This means that if alimony is ordered following a 10-year marriage, the payments will last for 4.4 years.
Keep in mind that these are just the basics of how spousal support is calculated; other variables may have an impact on the amounts. Please contact our office today to arrange a free consultation to discuss your specific circumstances in greater detail. To get answers to your divorce and alimony issues, call 312-445-8830 right now.
Are There Exceptions to the Illinois Spousal Maintenance Formula?
In general, the formulas outlined above would apply if a couple’s gross annual income is less than $500,000 and the paying partner is not currently subject to any child support orders. Also outside of these situations, though, the same formulas are often used to determine help.
Illinois Spousal Maintenance Calculation Examples
| Payer’s Monthly Income | Receiver’s Monthly Income | Estimated Monthly Maintenance Award |
|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $1,000 | $600 |
| $4,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| $5,000 | $1,000 | $1,300 |
| $6,000 | $1,000 | $1,600 |
| $7,000 | $1,000 | $1,900 |
| $8,000 | $1,000 | $2,200 |
* Note: The above table does not reflect maintenance duration.
Will I Be Awarded Alimony in Illinois?
Spousal maintenance is intended to assist a former spouse in gaining financial stability after the divorce. It’s important to remember, though, that not all Illinois divorces result in child support. When deciding whether alimony is needed, the following factors will be considered:
- Income and property of each partner, with regard to the division of marital properties
- The financial requirements of each spouse
- Both partners’ present and future earning potential
- Any detrimental effects on the spouse pursuing maintenance’s earning capacity as a result of the marriage or childcare arrangements
- Any possible loss of earnings for the partner who is paying maintenance
- The amount of time it would take for the spouse receiving maintenance to pursue schooling or work training in order to increase their earning potential.
- During the marriage, the standard of living was established.
- How long was the marriage?
- Other factors that may affect employability include a spouse’s age or physical condition.
- Any other public or private sources of income
- Tax liabilities that may arise as a result of the division of marital assets
- Contributions one party might have made to the other partner’s education or earning potential
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial arrangements that may exist
- Factors considered “right and equal” by the court
Contact Our Trusted Chicago Alimony Attorneys
Because no two divorces are the same, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced local divorce attorney about your unique circumstances and priorities if you’re considering divorce. To learn more about how Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. can help you, contact us today for a free case consultation.
