Temporary Maintenance (Alimony) in Illinois Divorce

Temporary Maintenance (Alimony) in Illinois Divorce: A Comprehensive Legal Guide

When couples decide to divorce in Illinois, one of the most immediate and pressing concerns involves financial survival during the pending litigation. Divorce proceedings can take months or even years to finalize, particularly in complex cases involving substantial assets, business interests, or contentious custody disputes. During this uncertain period, a spouse who has been financially dependent on the other may face an urgent question: How will I pay my bills, maintain my standard of living, and afford legal representation while waiting for the divorce to conclude?

The answer often lies in temporary maintenance—sometimes called pendente lite maintenance or interim spousal support. This critical form of financial relief allows Illinois courts to order one spouse to provide monetary support to the other while the divorce case remains pending. Unlike permanent maintenance, which is determined at the conclusion of divorce proceedings, temporary maintenance addresses the immediate financial crisis that often accompanies marital separation.

Understanding how temporary maintenance works in Illinois is essential for both the spouse seeking support and the spouse who may be required to pay. This comprehensive guide examines every aspect of temporary maintenance under Illinois law, including statutory requirements, calculation methods, procedural considerations, and strategic approaches for protecting your interests during this challenging time.

Understanding Temporary Maintenance Under Illinois Law

Legal Foundation and Statutory Authority

Temporary maintenance in Illinois derives its authority from the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), codified at 750 ILCS 5/501. This statute grants Illinois courts broad discretion to enter temporary orders during the pendency of divorce proceedings, including orders for spousal maintenance, child support, attorney fees, and other necessary relief.

Specifically, Section 501(a)(1) of the IMDMA provides that courts may order either spouse to pay maintenance to the other "in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems appropriate." This authority extends throughout the divorce proceedings until a final judgment is entered or until the court modifies or terminates the temporary order.

The temporary nature of this maintenance is crucial to understand. Temporary maintenance orders are inherently provisional—they exist only to address immediate financial needs during litigation and automatically terminate upon entry of the final dissolution judgment. At that point, the court will make a separate determination regarding permanent (or reviewable) maintenance based on the full statutory factors outlined in 750 ILCS 5/504.

Purpose and Policy Behind Temporary Maintenance

Illinois courts recognize several important policy objectives served by temporary maintenance:

• Preservation of the Status Quo: Courts aim to maintain each party's pre-separation standard of living to the extent reasonably possible during litigation. This prevents the financially dependent spouse from experiencing unnecessary hardship while the case proceeds.
• Equal Access to Justice: Without adequate financial resources, a dependent spouse may be unable to retain quality legal representation or pay for necessary experts, investigators, or other litigation expenses. Temporary maintenance helps level the playing field.
• Prevention of Coercion: When one spouse controls all marital finances, that spouse may attempt to pressure the other into accepting an unfavorable settlement simply to escape financial desperation. Temporary maintenance reduces this leverage.
• Protection of Marital Assets: By ensuring both parties have sufficient income during litigation, temporary maintenance reduces the temptation to liquidate or dissipate marital assets for living expenses.

Distinction Between Temporary and Permanent Maintenance

While temporary and permanent maintenance share the common purpose of providing financial support, they differ in several important respects:

Duration: Temporary maintenance exists only during the pending divorce case. Permanent maintenance (which may actually be "reviewable" or time-limited under current Illinois law) begins after the divorce is finalized and may continue for months, years, or indefinitely depending on the length of the marriage and other factors.

Standard of Proof: Courts generally apply a lower evidentiary threshold for temporary maintenance, recognizing that complete financial discovery may not yet be available. The focus is on immediate need rather than exhaustive analysis of all statutory factors.

Modifiability: While both forms of maintenance can potentially be modified, temporary maintenance orders are particularly subject to adjustment as new financial information emerges through discovery or as circumstances change during litigation.

Tax Treatment: Following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which took effect for divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, maintenance payments are no longer tax-deductible for the paying spouse nor taxable income for the receiving spouse. This applies to both temporary and permanent maintenance.

Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Maintenance in Illinois

Demonstrating Financial Need

The cornerstone of any temporary maintenance request is establishing financial need. Illinois courts will not award temporary maintenance simply because one spouse earns more than the other—the requesting spouse must demonstrate that they lack sufficient income or assets to meet their reasonable needs during the divorce proceedings.

To establish financial need, courts typically examine:

• Current Income: All sources of income available to the requesting spouse, including employment wages, investment returns, rental income, and any other regular earnings.
• Employability: Whether the requesting spouse is currently employed, capable of employment, or has been out of the workforce and requires time to become employable.
• Reasonable Monthly Expenses: A detailed accounting of the requesting spouse's legitimate monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, insurance, and other necessities.
• Access to Assets: Whether the requesting spouse has access to liquid assets that could be used to meet expenses, or whether the other spouse controls all marital finances.
• Pre-Separation Standard of Living: The lifestyle enjoyed by the parties during the marriage, which courts generally seek to maintain during litigation.

Ability of the Other Spouse to Pay

Even when genuine financial need exists, temporary maintenance can only be awarded if the other spouse has the ability to pay while meeting their own reasonable needs. This requirement recognizes that divorce often reduces the overall household income available to support two households where previously only one existed.

Courts evaluate paying ability by examining:

• Gross and Net Income: The paying spouse's total earnings from all sources, reduced by mandatory withholdings and obligations.
• Employment Stability: Whether the income is likely to continue at current levels or may fluctuate.
• The Paying Spouse's Expenses: Legitimate expenses the paying spouse must meet, including any new household expenses incurred after separation.
• Other Support Obligations: Child support obligations or other court-ordered payments that reduce available income.

Types of Cases Where Temporary Maintenance Is Most Common

While any divorcing spouse may potentially seek temporary maintenance, certain situations make such requests particularly appropriate:

Traditional Single-Income Marriages: When one spouse has served as the primary homemaker while the other pursued career advancement, the non-working spouse often has immediate need for support.

Significant Income Disparities: Even when both spouses work, substantial differences in earning capacity may justify temporary maintenance to preserve lifestyle balance during litigation.

Recent Job Loss or Career Interruption: A spouse who recently left employment, perhaps to care for children or relocate for the other spouse's career, may need interim support while seeking new employment.

High-Asset Cases with Illiquid Holdings: When marital wealth is tied up in businesses, real estate, or retirement accounts that cannot readily be accessed, temporary maintenance ensures the lower-earning spouse can meet expenses.

Cases Involving Domestic Violence: Survivors of domestic abuse may have been prevented from working or may need support while establishing independent living arrangements.

Calculating Temporary Maintenance in Illinois

The Statutory Guideline Formula

Illinois law provides a specific formula for calculating maintenance amounts under 750 ILCS 5/504(b-1). While this statutory guideline technically applies to permanent maintenance awards, Illinois courts frequently use it as a starting point for temporary maintenance calculations as well, particularly when income information is readily available.

The guideline formula calculates maintenance as follows:

Step 1: Calculate 33.33% of the payor's net income.

Step 2: Calculate 25% of the payee's net income.

Step 3: Subtract the result from Step 2 from the result in Step 1. This amount represents the guideline maintenance.

Step 4: Apply the "cap" provision—when maintenance is added to the payee's net income, the total cannot exceed 40% of the combined net income of both parties.

Consider this practical example:

• Payor's net monthly income: $12,000
• Payee's net monthly income: $3,000
• 33.33% of $12,000 = $4,000
• 25% of $3,000 = $750
• $4,000 - $750 = $3,250 (preliminary guideline amount)
• Combined net income: $15,000
• 40% of combined income: $6,000 (maximum payee income with maintenance)
• $6,000 - $3,000 (payee's income) = $3,000 (capped maintenance amount)

In this example, the guideline amount of $3,250 exceeds the cap, so maintenance would be set at $3,000 per month.

When Courts Deviate from Guidelines

The statutory guidelines are not mandatory for temporary maintenance awards. Illinois courts retain significant discretion to deviate from the formula when circumstances warrant. Common reasons for deviation include:

Extraordinary Expenses: If either party faces unusual financial obligations not reflected in standard calculations—such as significant medical expenses, educational costs, or care for elderly parents—courts may adjust the maintenance amount accordingly.

Income Verification Issues: Early in divorce proceedings, complete income documentation may not yet be available. Courts may estimate income based on available evidence and reserve the right to adjust temporary maintenance as discovery progresses.

Self-Employment or Business Income: When a spouse owns a business or has complex income sources, determining "net income" for guideline purposes can be challenging. Courts may need to make preliminary determinations subject to later refinement.

Dissipation or Hidden Assets: If there is evidence that one spouse has been hiding income or dissipating assets, courts may impute income or adjust maintenance to account for these circumstances.

Agreements Between the Parties: Spouses may agree to temporary maintenance amounts that differ from guidelines, and courts generally honor such agreements if they appear fair and voluntary.

Determining "Net Income" for Calculation Purposes

The accuracy of any maintenance calculation depends on properly determining each party's net income. Under 750 ILCS 5/504(b-3), "net income" for maintenance purposes means gross income minus certain deductions:

• Federal, state, and local income taxes (based on actual filing status)
• Social Security and Medicare contributions (FICA)
• Mandatory retirement contributions required by law or as a condition of employment
• Union dues and other mandatory deductions
• Health insurance premiums for the party and any children
• Prior maintenance or child support obligations paid under court order
• Expenditures necessary to produce income

Determining gross income can be straightforward for salaried employees but complex for self-employed individuals, business owners, or those with variable compensation. Courts may examine tax returns, business records, bank statements, and other financial documents to establish income levels.

The Process for Obtaining Temporary Maintenance

Filing the Petition and Initial Motions

Temporary maintenance proceedings typically begin when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (or a Response, if the other spouse filed first) followed by a Motion for Temporary Relief seeking maintenance and potentially other interim orders. In Cook County and other Illinois jurisdictions, this motion may be filed simultaneously with the divorce petition or shortly thereafter.

The motion for temporary maintenance should include:

• A clear statement of the relief requested, including the specific monthly maintenance amount sought
• Factual allegations establishing the requesting party's financial need
• Information about both parties' income, assets, and expenses
• Legal arguments supporting the request under applicable Illinois statutes
• Any relevant affidavits or declarations supporting the factual allegations

In urgent situations—such as when a spouse has been cut off from all financial resources—an emergency motion may be appropriate. Emergency motions can sometimes be heard on shortened notice, allowing for expedited relief.

Financial Disclosure Requirements

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 13.3.1 requires both parties in dissolution cases to complete and exchange Financial Affidavits disclosing detailed information about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. These disclosures must be filed and served within specific timeframes and are essential for temporary maintenance proceedings.

In Cook County, the Domestic Relations Division has specific local rules governing financial disclosures. Parties must typically exchange Financial Affidavits within 60 days of service of the petition, though temporary maintenance motions may proceed on a more expedited schedule with preliminary financial information.

Accurate financial disclosure is critical. Illinois courts take a dim view of parties who hide assets, understate income, or exaggerate expenses. Misrepresentation in financial disclosures can result in sanctions, adverse inferences, or adjustment of maintenance awards.

The Temporary Maintenance Hearing

After the motion is filed and the responding party has an opportunity to answer, the court will schedule a hearing on temporary maintenance. In Cook County, these hearings are typically held before assigned judges in the Domestic Relations Division at the Richard J. Daley Center or suburban courthouses.

At the temporary maintenance hearing:

Burden of Proof: The spouse requesting maintenance bears the initial burden of establishing need. Once need is demonstrated, the focus shifts to the other spouse's ability to pay.

Evidence: Parties may present testimony, documents, and other evidence regarding their financial circumstances. While full evidentiary rules apply, temporary maintenance hearings are typically shorter and less formal than trials on permanent maintenance.

Attorney Arguments: Counsel for each party will argue their client's position, citing applicable law and distinguishing unfavorable precedent.

Court's Ruling: The judge will either rule from the bench or take the matter under advisement for a written ruling. Temporary maintenance orders are typically entered promptly given their urgent nature.

Timeline Expectations in Cook County and Throughout Illinois

The timeline for obtaining temporary maintenance varies depending on court congestion, complexity of the case, and whether the parties can reach agreement. General timeframes include:

• Emergency Situations: Emergency motions may be heard within days if circumstances justify expedited consideration.
• Standard Motions: In Cook County, regular temporary maintenance motions are typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing, though COVID-19 backlogs and heavy dockets can extend this timeline.
• Contested Hearings: If the temporary maintenance motion requires extensive evidentiary presentation, the court may need to schedule multiple hearing dates.
• Agreed Orders: When parties can negotiate temporary maintenance terms, agreed orders can be entered almost immediately without waiting for a contested hearing.

Factors Courts Consider in Temporary Maintenance Decisions

The Statutory Factors Under 750 ILCS 5/504

While temporary maintenance focuses primarily on immediate need and ability to pay, courts also consider the broader factors outlined in 750 ILCS 5/504(a) for maintenance determinations. These factors include:

1. The income and property of each party, including marital property apportioned and non-marital property assigned to the party seeking maintenance
2. The needs of each party
3. The realistic present and future earning capacity of each party
4. Any impairment of the present and future earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance due to devoting time to domestic duties or having forgone education, training, employment, or career opportunities
5. Any impairment of the realistic present or future earning capacity of the party against whom maintenance is sought
6. The time necessary for the party seeking maintenance to acquire appropriate education, training, and employment
7. The standard of living established during the marriage
8. The duration of the marriage
9. The age, health, and emotional condition of both parties
10. Tax consequences of the property division
11. Contributions and services by the party seeking maintenance to the education, training, career, or career potential of the other party
12. Any valid agreement of the parties
13. Any other factor the court finds just and equitable

For temporary maintenance, courts often give particular weight to factors 2 (needs), 3 (earning capacity), 7 (marital standard of living), and 9 (age and health), as these most directly bear on immediate financial circumstances.

The Marital Standard of Living

The marital standard of living is a crucial benchmark in temporary maintenance cases. Illinois courts generally attempt to preserve each party's pre-separation lifestyle during the divorce proceedings, recognizing that significant lifestyle reductions can cause hardship and unfairly pressure the financially weaker spouse.

Establishing the marital standard of living typically involves examining:

• The family's housing situation (size, location, and cost of the marital residence)
• Vacation and travel patterns
• Vehicle ownership and replacement schedules
• Children's educational choices (public vs. private schools)
• Entertainment and dining habits
• Club memberships and recreational activities
• Savings and investment patterns

However, courts also recognize that maintaining two households is inherently more expensive than maintaining one. The marital standard of living serves as a reference point rather than an absolute guarantee, and both parties may need to adjust expectations during the divorce transition.

Imputation of Income

When a spouse is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, Illinois courts may impute income—attributing earning capacity to that spouse as if they were fully employed. This principle applies to both the potential maintenance recipient (reducing the award) and the potential payor (increasing ability to pay).

The Illinois Supreme Court addressed income imputation in In re Marriage of Sweet, 316 Ill. App. 3d 101 (2000), establishing that courts must consider both the employment potential and the employment history of the parties when evaluating earning capacity. Factors relevant to income imputation include:

• Education and professional training
• Work experience and employment history
• The local job market for relevant positions
• Childcare responsibilities and availability
• Physical and mental health affecting employability
• Reasons for current unemployment or underemployment

In temporary maintenance cases, courts may be somewhat more lenient regarding imputation than in permanent maintenance decisions, recognizing that a party may need time to re-enter the workforce after separation.

Modifying Temporary Maintenance Orders

Grounds for Modification

Temporary maintenance orders are not set in stone. Either party may seek modification if circumstances change significantly during the pendency of the divorce. Common grounds for modification include:

Change in Income: If either party experiences a substantial increase or decrease in income—whether through job loss, promotion, new employment, or changed business conditions—modification may be appropriate.

New Financial Information: As discovery progresses, previously unknown financial information may emerge that affects the maintenance calculation. Hidden accounts, unreported income, or undiscovered debts can all justify revisiting the temporary order.

Change in Expenses: Significant changes in either party's reasonable expenses—such as moving to new housing, incurring medical costs, or reducing expenses—may warrant modification.

Change in Custody Arrangements: If parenting time arrangements change during the divorce proceedings, this may affect both child support and the parties' relative expenses, potentially impacting maintenance.

Passage of Time: In lengthy divorce cases, periodic review of temporary maintenance may be appropriate even without dramatic changes, simply to ensure the order remains fair as circumstances evolve.

Procedure for Seeking Modification

To modify a temporary maintenance order, the party seeking modification must file a motion with the court explaining the changed circumstances and requesting specific adjustments. The other party will have an opportunity to respond, and the court may schedule a hearing to consider the request.

It's important to note that temporary maintenance cannot be modified retroactively in most circumstances. If circumstances change, prompt action is essential—waiting to seek modification may result in arrearages accumulating under the existing order.

Enforcement of Temporary Maintenance Orders

Consequences of Non-Payment

Illinois courts take non-payment of maintenance orders seriously. A spouse who fails to pay court-ordered temporary maintenance faces several potential consequences:

Contempt of Court: Willful failure to comply with a court order constitutes contempt, which can result in fines, attorney fee awards against the non-paying spouse, and even incarceration in extreme cases.

Wage Withholding: Courts can order income withholding, directing the payor's employer to deduct maintenance directly from wages and forward it to the recipient. Under 750 ILCS 28/35, income withholding is mandatory for all maintenance orders unless the court finds good cause to deviate or the parties agree to an alternative arrangement.

Interest and Penalties: Unpaid maintenance accrues statutory interest, increasing the total amount owed over time.

Property Liens: Courts may impose liens on the non-paying spouse's property to secure maintenance obligations.

Impact on Final Settlement: A pattern of non-payment during temporary maintenance can influence the court's decisions regarding permanent maintenance, property division, and attorney fee awards in the final judgment.

Enforcement Mechanisms

The spouse owed temporary maintenance has several tools available to enforce the order:

Motion for Rule to Show Cause: This motion asks the court to require the non-paying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt for violating the maintenance order.

Motion for Wage Withholding: If wage withholding is not already in place, the recipient spouse can request it as an enforcement mechanism.

Judgment for Arrearages: Unpaid maintenance can be reduced to a money judgment, which can then be enforced through standard judgment collection mechanisms including bank levies and property liens.

Request for Attorney Fees: The prevailing party in maintenance enforcement proceedings may be entitled to recover attorney fees incurred in the enforcement action.

Strategic Considerations for Both Parties

Strategies for Spouses Seeking Temporary Maintenance

If you believe you are entitled to temporary maintenance, consider these strategic approaches:

Document Everything Early: Before and immediately after separation, gather comprehensive documentation of the marital standard of living, both parties' income sources, and your reasonable monthly expenses. Bank statements, credit card records, tax returns, and pay stubs are essential.

Be Realistic in Your Request: While it's natural to want to maintain your pre-separation lifestyle, requesting an amount that appears excessive or unsupported by the evidence can damage your credibility. Work with your attorney to calculate a reasonable request based on actual need and the statutory guidelines.

Address Employment Proactively: If you've been out of the workforce, be prepared to explain your employment situation and, if appropriate, demonstrate that you're taking reasonable steps to become employable. Courts look favorably on spouses who show initiative rather than appearing to seek indefinite support.

Request Attorney Fees if Appropriate: Under 750 ILCS 5/501(c-1) and 5/508, Illinois courts may order one spouse to contribute to the other's attorney fees during divorce proceedings. If you cannot afford adequate representation without such assistance, include an attorney fee request with your temporary maintenance motion.

Consider the Long Game: Temporary maintenance sets the tone for permanent maintenance negotiations. A reasonable temporary order that you can demonstrate need for may help establish a foundation for an appropriate permanent award.

Strategies for Spouses Who May Pay Temporary Maintenance

If you may be ordered to pay temporary maintenance, consider these approaches:

Prepare Accurate Financial Documentation: Resist any temptation to hide income or overstate expenses. Courts are experienced at detecting financial manipulation, and dishonesty will damage your credibility throughout the divorce proceedings.

Challenge Unreasonable Expenses: Carefully review your spouse's claimed expenses and be prepared to challenge items that appear inflated, duplicative, or inconsistent with actual spending patterns during the marriage.

Document Your Own Needs: Establish that you too have legitimate expenses, including the costs of maintaining separate housing after separation. The court must balance both parties' needs against available resources.

Address Earning Capacity Issues: If your spouse is capable of earning more income than they currently do, gather evidence regarding their education, skills, work history, and available job opportunities. Income imputation may reduce the maintenance obligation.

Explore Settlement Opportunities: Contested litigation over temporary maintenance is expensive for both parties. A negotiated agreement may be more cost-effective than extensive court proceedings, even if the result is not your ideal outcome.

The Role of Negotiation and Settlement

Many temporary maintenance disputes resolve through negotiation rather than contested hearings. Settlement offers several advantages:

• Reduced Legal Costs: Avoiding contested hearings saves both parties significant attorney fees.
• Faster Resolution: Negotiated agreements can be implemented immediately without waiting for hearing dates.
• Greater Flexibility: Settlements can include creative provisions that a court might not order, such as direct payment of specific expenses rather than monthly cash payments.
• Preserved Relationships: Particularly when children are involved, reducing conflict during divorce proceedings benefits the entire family.
• Control Over Outcome: Both parties participate in shaping the settlement rather than leaving the decision entirely to a judge.

However, settlement is not always possible or appropriate. When one party acts in bad faith, when there are significant factual disputes, or when power imbalances prevent fair negotiation, contested litigation may be necessary to protect your interests.

Special Circumstances in Temporary Maintenance Cases

High-Income Cases

When combined net income exceeds $500,000 annually, the statutory guidelines for maintenance calculation do not apply automatically. Under 750 ILCS 5/504(b-1)(1)(B), the court retains discretion to apply the guidelines, but may also deviate based on the specific circumstances of high-earning parties.

In high-income temporary maintenance cases, courts often focus on:

• The actual marital standard of living, which may far exceed what guidelines would suggest
• Whether the lower-earning spouse contributed to building the higher-earning spouse's career
• Complex compensation structures including bonuses, stock options, and deferred compensation
• Significant non-liquid assets that affect cash flow analysis

Chicago and its surrounding affluent suburbs in Cook County, DuPage County, and Lake County frequently see high-income temporary maintenance cases requiring sophisticated financial analysis.

Business Owner and Self-Employment Issues

When one or both spouses own a business or are self-employed, determining income for temporary maintenance purposes presents unique challenges:

Business vs. Personal Expenses: Self-employed individuals often run personal expenses through their businesses, potentially understating actual personal income. Courts may "add back" certain expenses to calculate true income available for maintenance.

Income Volatility: Business income often fluctuates significantly from year to year. Courts may average income over several years or use other methods to establish representative income levels.

Retained Earnings: Business owners may argue that business profits are reinvested rather than available for personal use. Courts must distinguish between legitimate business needs and income sheltering.

Valuation Questions: While business valuation is primarily relevant to property division, preliminary valuation issues may affect temporary maintenance if one party argues that substantial business equity should offset maintenance needs.

Cases Involving Domestic Violence

When divorce involves allegations of domestic violence, temporary maintenance takes on particular urgency. Survivors of abuse may:

• Have been prevented from working or developing career skills during the marriage
• Need resources to establish safe, independent housing
• Face significant safety concerns that affect their ability to work or attend court proceedings
• Require additional support for counseling, legal representation, and other services

Illinois courts can enter Orders of Protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60) that may include support provisions in addition to or instead of temporary maintenance orders in the divorce case. Coordination between protection order proceedings and divorce proceedings is often necessary.

Cases Involving Children

When the divorcing couple has minor children, temporary maintenance intersects with temporary child support and parenting time arrangements:

Child Support Priority: Under Illinois law, child support is generally calculated first, with maintenance determined afterward using the remaining income. The child support guidelines under 750 ILCS 5/505 establish specific percentages of net income based on the number of children.

Parenting Time Effects: The amount of parenting time each spouse exercises affects child support calculations, which in turn affects income available for maintenance.

Work and Childcare: When one spouse has served as the primary caregiver, their ability to work during and after divorce may be limited by ongoing childcare responsibilities. Courts consider these realities when evaluating earning capacity and maintenance needs.

Recent Developments in Illinois Maintenance Law

Statutory Amendments

Illinois maintenance law has undergone significant changes in recent years. The maintenance guidelines were most recently amended effective January 1, 2019, with modifications to the income calculation formula and duration guidelines. While these amendments primarily address permanent maintenance, they influence how courts approach temporary maintenance as well.

Key recent changes include:

• Updated percentage calculations in the maintenance formula
• Revised duration guidelines based on length of marriage
• Clarification of "net income" definitions
• Adjustments to account for the elimination of maintenance tax deductibility

Staying current on these statutory developments is essential for accurately analyzing temporary maintenance entitlements.

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Written by Jonathan D. Steele

Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CEH, ISC2). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.

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