Chicago Spousal Support Lawyer

Divorce in Illinois is often a complex process of resolving various financial issues between divorcing spouses. While property division is often the most contentious of the financial matters that divorcing couples must resolve, it is also possible for some divorcing spouses to face ongoing financial arrangements with their soon-to-be exes.

Trusted Legal Counsel for Chicago Alimony Disputes

Johnson O’Keefe has helped many Chicago, IL clients through complex divorce cases, including those involving high net worth couples, contentious property division, and spousal support disputes. While many judges in equitable distribution states like Illinois strive to ensure the fairest possible division of marital assets in the cases they oversee, spousal support is a necessary element of many divorces resolved in the Chicago family court.

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Understanding Spousal Support in Illinois Divorce

Every state uses different statutes to resolve property division and other financial aspects of divorce, and Illinois upholds an equitable distribution law pertaining to property division. This means divorcing spouses are expected to divide marital property in the fairest possible manner. Unfortunately, many find this to be very open to interpretation, and it’s common for divorcing spouses to enter their divorce proceedings holding misconceptions about how spousal support or alimony works.

If you are preparing to divorce, a Chicago spousal support attorney is invaluable for addressing any complex financial matters involved in your situation. Johnson O’Keefe can provide meticulous and responsive legal counsel throughout each stage of your divorce, including those pertaining to property division and spousal support. Whether you expect to pay spousal support to your ex or receive it from them as part of your divorce, a Chicago spousal support attorney will be essential for ensuring the fairest outcome possible.

There is a baseline formula used in many Illinois spousal support determinations, but it’s vital to remember that many factors can influence the outcome of any alimony determination in Chicago. This formula should only be used for a baseline estimate of alimony that might be paid in a particular divorce. The formula is one-third of the higher-earning spouse’s annual income reduced by one-quarter of the lower-earning spouse’s income. In a divorce where one spouse earns $90,000 per year and the other earns $40,000 per year, the calculation would be ($90,000/3) minus ($40,000/4), or $30,000 minus $10,000 for a $20,000 yearly support obligation.

Adjusting Spousal Support & Addressing Violations

If you are required to pay spousal support, it is essential that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your court order. Failure to pay in full and/or on time can lead to various penalties, from contempt of court to fines, wage garnishment, or even incarceration until owed support is repaid. In addition, if you encounter any unexpected change in your life that prevents you from meeting your support obligations, it is vital to address it as soon as possible with the help of an attorney. The family court system of Illinois provides a modification system that allows for reasonable changes to standing family court orders.

The modification process is relatively straightforward, but it is still a good idea to have legal counsel you can trust to file your petition and prepare for your hearing. If you have recently lost your job due to forces beyond your control, suffered a severe injury resulting in disability, or experienced any other significant change in your life that impacts your ability to meet your support obligation, a Chicago spousal support attorney can help you compile a strong petition for modification. You may also need an attorney’s assistance to file contempt proceedings against your ex if you are owed spousal support, and they have neglected to pay you correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spousal Support

How Does Illinois Determine Spousal Support Amounts?

What Happens If a Spousal Support Order Is Not Followed?

Can Alimony Be Modified After a Divorce?

How Long Does Spousal Support Typically Last?

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Johnson O’Keefe did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.

– Mista

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I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson O’Keefe team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.

– Patricia

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Helped me through a difficult divorce and made what I thought was going to be an impossible process so much easier. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson O’Keefe, they are amazing!

– Sonja

“Myles and Genet Johnson truly helped to make a stressful situation positive, understandable and manageable.”

They’re professional and supportive team work was beyond efficient and they got the job done in the least amount of time and with the least stress possible. They’re an amazing team to help with family needs and are always available to answer any questions or support. I would definitely recommend Myles and Genet Johnson for any family legal needs.

– M.A.

“Myles is genuine and professional, and I could not recommend him enough.”

Myles was excellent during my divorce and custody case. I had a very high-stress, and complicated situation, and not only was he efficient, but he kept me at ease throughout the entire process.

– Former Client

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All my questions answered and very friendly staff. Cost for service very reasonable. Highly recommended to you by me! Give her a call.

– Virginia

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Amazing law firm. They will represent your best interests! They communicate well with you and are straight forward with everything from rates to the legal process. Myles Johnson is a experienced, knowledgeable, well-versed in the laws as they pertain in each county throughout the State of Colorado. As a client, I highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe!!

– Caleb

“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”

Myles and his firm did an excellent job on my case. He helped me settle a financial dispute with my ex-wife concerning my retirement income. Myles was a good communicator and responded to questions and concerns promptly. I will definitely call him if I am ever in need of a lawyer.

– Rob

Find Legal Counsel Today

Time is a critical factor in any divorce. If you face complex financial issues in your impending dissolution, it’s vital to have legal counsel you can trust readily available to assist you. The sooner you connect with a trustworthy Chicago spousal support attorney, the more time they have to work on your case, helping you reach the best outcome possible.

Alimony can be a very contentious issue in any divorce, and Johnson O’Keefe has the professional resources and experience you need on your side to reach a favorable conclusion to your case. In addition, Johnson O’Keefe can review the details of your financial issues and help you make more informed decisions as you progress through the Illinois family court.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Chicago spousal support attorney.

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Chicago Spousal Support Lawyer