Cook County Alimony Lawyer

Also Serving Clients in Will County & Lake County, IL

In an Illinois divorce, alimony, or spousal support, is applicable to individuals who need financial support from the other party. Marriages are partnerships which require give and take from both sides. If you and your partner are separating and significant funds were supplied by a single party, you can petition the court for alimony support. Alternatively, if you are contesting alimony that you believe is inappropriate, you will need to provide evidence to the family court judge backing up your case.

No matter what side of the alimony issue you are on, you can turn to Bell Law Group for knowledgeable and skilled representation. Out Cook County alimony attorney is well-equipped to handle your case. We understand Illinois alimony laws and the factors family law judges evaluate when making a ruling on this issue. We will thoroughly prepare your case in support of your petition and aggressively advocate on your behalf at the negotiation table or in court. 

Seeking or contesting alimony? Discuss your situation with our Cook County alimony attorney for a case review by contacting us online or at (708) 304-9080.

Alimony Cases in Illinois

Alimony is an issue that must be decided when a divorce is pending. It also may come up in a post-divorce situation where one party seeks to enforce or modify a standing spousal support order. Alimony is usually awarded by the court to a less financially-advantaged spouse by the other spouse providing that the supporting spouse has the ability to pay. Each case is decided on a case-by-case basis according to the unique circumstances of the couple. 

As of changes to Illinois law in 2019, the basic formula for the award of spousal maintenance became as follows: 33 percent of the supporting party’s net income minus 25 percent of the receiving party’s net income. However, the amount awarded cannot be more than 40 percent of the combined net income of both spouses. 

The duration of alimony is generally based on a percentage of the length of time the couple were married. For example, for couples married less than five years, the percentage is .2 percent of the marriage duration. The percentage for couples married 10 years is .4 percent. This would amount to payments lasting for 4.4 years. In cases were a couple has been married for 20 or more years, courts have the authority to award alimony on a permanent basis or for a duration equal to the duration of the marriage. 

The above are the ground rules for determining alimony. However, many other factors can impact this issue. These factors can range from the spouses’ ages and health conditions, each party’s contributions to the marriage, past, present, and future earning capacities, and more. Where awarded, alimony may be paid on a monthly basis or, where possible, as a lump sum to the receiving spouse. 

Meet Attorney Sahara Bell

Attorney Sahara Bell is a Family Law Practitioner, currently servicing the Chicagoland area. Sahara has represented clients in all aspects of domestic relations matters including custody disputes, property division, maintenance/alimony, child support, order of protection, and post-decree matters

  • “I have personally had the greatest experience, in being represented by in my opinion the BEST family attorney in Illinois! Sahara Bell’s professionalism and determination is unmatched.”
/

Contact Us

Have questions about alimony? Get answers and advice from our Cook County alimony attorney at Bell Law Group. Request your consultation online or at (708) 304-9080 today.

Get in Touch With Us Today

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy