Is Temporary Alimony Awarded in Illinois Divorces?

 Posted on March 17, 2022 in Divorce

Divorce is known for being expensive and people often put off pursuing divorce for many years because they fear the financial consequences will be too great. Much of the time, the people postponing divorce are women who have given up careers to be homemakers and who, without the assistance of their husbands, worry they cannot pay for an attorney. 

While many of the partners who are reluctant to file for divorce might receive spousal maintenance and money from their marital property after the divorce is finalized, it is impossible to predict how long a divorce will take. Fortunately, there may be another option - temporary relief. 

Temporary Child Support and Alimony

Illinois law allows spouses to ask a court for a temporary order requiring the other spouse to pay child support and/or spousal maintenance. The spouse petitioning for financial support can file an affidavit stating that they need immediate help and why. This requires the petitioning party to give evidence of their financial status, using income records like bank accounts, W2s, and tax returns, and expense records like mortgage statements, medical expenses, or school tuition. 

Before making a decision, a court will want to hear from the responding spouse about their own financial situation, as well as childcare arrangements and the spouse’s justification for refusing all or part of the request. Courts will examine the evidence and can issue an order for temporary support or schedule a hearing in which spouses must provide further information. 

Gather Financial Documents Early

If you are getting divorced and anticipate that your spouse will be financially controlling or manipulative, it may be wise to begin gathering the necessary financial documents before filing for divorce. In addition to making sure you have the documents and evidence you need, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of your finances before divorce is a good idea for many reasons. You will want to know your credit score and understand exactly how much debt and savings you have. If you have not been involved in managing your family’s finances, make sure you hire an attorney with experience in finding hidden income or assets. 

Call a Skokie, IL Spousal Maintenance Lawyer

The prospect of getting divorced when you are worried you cannot pay for an attorney can be daunting but there are options available. The experienced Skokie spousal maintenance attorney with The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. is ready to help you navigate every aspect of your divorce with knowledge and skill. We will work with you to help keep your divorce affordable and pursue an overall strategy that works for you and your family. Call us today at 312-984-1514. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6200000&SeqEnd=8675000