Illinois Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support in Illinois using the state's Statutory Formula. Includes likelihood, amount range, duration, and the statutory factors that drive the result.
Illinois divorces typically cost 28% less than the national average of $12,900.
Alimony in Illinois
- Formula type
- Statutory Formula
- Fault considered
- No
- Domestic violence factor
- No
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Waiting period before final
- No statutory waiting period
Alimony Calculator in Illinois: What You Should Know
Illinois uses a statutory formula for maintenance: 33.3 percent of the paying spouse's net income minus 25 percent of the receiving spouse's net income, provided that the receiving spouse's income plus the maintenance award does not exceed 40 percent of combined net income. Duration follows a schedule: marriages under 5 years produce maintenance for 20 percent of the marriage length; marriages 5 to 10 years, 40 percent; 10 to 15 years, 60 percent; 15 to 20 years, 80 percent; and over 20 years, permanent or indefinite maintenance at the court's discretion. The formula applies to combined gross income under $500,000. Above that, courts use discretion.
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This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Alimony in Illinois - Frequently Asked Questions
How is alimony calculated in Illinois?
Illinois uses a statutory formula. Courts start with a percentage of the income difference between the spouses, adjust for marriage length, and consider statutory factors including marriage length, income difference, standard of living.
How long does alimony last in Illinois?
Duration in Illinois typically scales with marriage length. Short marriages (under 5 years) often produce limited rehabilitative support. Medium marriages (5 to 15 years) commonly produce alimony lasting roughly one third to one half of the marriage length. Long marriages (20+ years) may produce indefinite or permanent alimony, particularly when the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting.
Can alimony be modified in Illinois?
Yes. Either spouse can ask the court to modify alimony based on a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, retirement, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or a serious health change. Illinois courts typically require the change to be material and not anticipated at the time of the original order.
Does fault affect alimony in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not weigh marital fault in setting alimony. Courts focus on financial need, ability to pay, and the other statutory factors rather than blame for the divorce.
Is alimony tax deductible in Illinois?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer deductible by the payer or taxable to the recipient under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This federal rule applies in Illinois as it does in every state. Older orders entered before 2019 generally retain the prior tax treatment unless modified.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.