Chicago Spousal Maintenance Attorney
Navigating Illinois maintenance calculations, modifications, and enforcement. Whether you are seeking support or defending against unreasonable demands, I protect your financial interests.
Quick Answer: Illinois Spousal Maintenance Formula
Illinois calculates maintenance as 33.33% of the payor s net income minus 25% of the payee s net income, capped at 40% of combined net income (750 ILCS 5/504). Duration depends on marriage length—a 15-year marriage = 9.6 years of maintenance (64% of marriage length). Example: If payor nets $90K and payee nets $32K: ($90K x 33.33%) - ($32K x 25%) = ~$22K/year (~$1,833/month). Attorney Jonathan D. Steele handles maintenance calculations, modifications, and hidden income discovery.
Illinois Spousal Maintenance Guidelines
2024 Formula: Illinois uses a statutory formula for maintenance when combined gross income is under $500,000. The amount is 33.33% of the payor s net income minus 25% of the payee s net income, capped at 40% of combined net income.
Duration of Maintenance
Under 750 ILCS 5/504, maintenance duration is based on the length of the marriage:
| Marriage Length | Duration Factor |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | 20% of marriage length |
| 5-6 years | 24% |
| 10-11 years | 44% |
| 15-16 years | 64% |
| 20+ years | Indefinite or equal to marriage |
Deviation Factors
Courts can deviate from the guidelines based on:
- Income and property of each party
- Needs of each party
- Present and future earning capacity
- Impairment of earning capacity due to marriage
- Standard of living during marriage
- Age and health of each party
Uncovering Hidden Income
Maintenance calculations are only as accurate as the income disclosed. Spouses hide income through:
- Cash business transactions
- Cryptocurrency holdings
- Deferred compensation and stock options
- Business expense manipulation
- Offshore accounts
With my cybersecurity background, I trace digital financial footprints that traditional discovery methods miss. Learn more about digital privacy in divorce.
Modification & Enforcement
Maintenance orders can be modified when there s a substantial change in circumstances:
- • Job loss or significant income change
- • Recipient cohabitation
- • Remarriage (automatic termination)
- • Health changes
- • Retirement
Jonathan D. Steele
Partner | Beermann LLP
Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star (2016-2025). I combine traditional family law advocacy with digital forensics to ensure accurate financial disclosure in maintenance cases.
View Full BioFrequently Asked Questions
How is spousal maintenance calculated in Illinois?
Illinois uses a statutory formula: 33.33% of the payor s net income minus 25% of the payee s net income, capped at 40% of combined net income. This applies when combined gross income is under $500,000.
How long does spousal maintenance last in Illinois?
Duration depends on marriage length under 750 ILCS 5/504. For a 10-year marriage, maintenance lasts 44% of that time (4.4 years). For 15 years, it s 64% (9.6 years). Marriages over 20 years may result in indefinite maintenance or duration equal to the marriage length.
Can spousal maintenance be modified or terminated?
Yes. Maintenance automatically terminates upon remarriage of the recipient or death of either party. It can be modified upon substantial change in circumstances such as job loss, cohabitation, retirement, or significant income changes.