Arlington Heights and Chicago Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
In Illinois, spousal maintenance (sometimes called alimony or spousal support) may or may not be required by the Court, depending on circumstances. In cases involving very long-term marriages or those in which one spouse lacks the ability to support herself or himself, the Court may order spousal maintenance on a temporary or permanent basis. In other situations, the parties may agree to the provision of spousal maintenance as one part of an overall settlement, or opt out of it entirely.
The Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk has represented clients in maintenance matters for over 30 years. We understand the legal, financial, and practical aspects of this issue, and can recommend the solution that is right for you.
Call us at (847) 506-7330 or send an e-mail to arrange a free consultation.
Should the Settlement Include Spousal Maintenance?
When spousal maintenance is not mandated by the court, you have a decision to make. This decision depends on your preferences, your spouse’s preferences, as well as financial and tax considerations.
To explain the implications of just one factor, spousal maintenance is tax deductible for the payer and taxable for the receiver. Given this fact, it may make sense to seek a more generous property settlement, and forego spousal maintenance. Or you may want to seek a higher temporary spousal maintenance award in exchange for other provisions in the settlement. In making these decisions, you need to understand the long-term effects on your future along with the short-term effects on your life.
Attorney Roger Stelk can explore the implications of these and other factors and your personal preferences and goals with you. Then our firm will work to achieve those goals for you.
Once it is granted through a settlement or mandated by the Court, the level of spousal maintenance can be modified given a significant change in income or other factors. In this situation, Roger Stelk can seek a post-judgment modification for you.
For a free initial consultation with the Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk call (847) 506-7330 or contact us. Located in Arlington Heights, our firm serves clients in Cook County, the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Northern Illinois.