Maintenance (Alimony) and Spousal Support

Maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support, is a sum of money given from one spouse to the other to provide for the other spouse's support during or after the divorce. When there is a significant difference in the income and earning potential of the spouses, or if one spouse has been out of the workplace for a period of time, the spouse who earns the higher income may be required to contribute to the other spouse's expenses. The length of the marriage is also a consideration when determining spousal support; longer marriages are more likely to result in maintenance payments between the spouses.

The first step in considering whether maintenance or spousal support is appropriate is to determine the needs of each spouse. This is done by calculating the living expenses and income for each spouse after the parties move into two separate households. Additionally, divorcing spouses must also consider the tax consequences of paying and receiving spousal support. For example, a high income earner may choose to take advantage of certain tax deductions available to the payer spouse.

Lyn C. Conniff Law Offices encourages clients to consider the needs and interests of both spouses when determining whether spousal support is appropriate. Structuring maintenance payments is a complex area of divorce law and can create a high level of stress between the parties. It is important to have an experienced attorney knowledgeable in the tax consequences and payment options for spousal maintenance. Lyn C. Conniff Law Offices can guide you through the process may be the difference between a litigious and amicable divorce.

Lyn C. Conniff Law Offices represents clients within and throughout Chicago. Our Oak Park office typically serves Chicago's western suburban communities, such as Oak Park, River Forest, Hinsdale, Riverside, Brookfield, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Schaumburg. Our Chicago office has typically served clients from the north side of Chicago, as well as the northern suburbs of Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, Kenilworth, and Winnetka, and the southern suburbs including Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, and Palos Heights. Contact us for a consultation.