Illinois Alimony Attorney Protects Clients’ Interests

Rockford lawyer assists with limiting or avoiding spousal support payments

When you and your spouse divorce, there are a number of decisions you need to make that will have a long-term impact on your quality of life. One of the decisions the Illinois courts generally make on behalf of those involved is whether or not you are required to provide your spouse with monetary support, which is also known as alimony or spousal support. I have substantial experience representing clients in Illinois affected by Illinois alimony law.

Alimony is one of the most frequently fought-over issues in divorce, and while courts and lawyers strive to split marital assets equitably, “equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” I always work to limit the amount of alimony that you are required to pay.

Experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements

When determining whether or not alimony should be granted, how much should be awarded and for how long it should continue, Illinois judges carefully appraise a couple’s length of marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, the relative income of each individual and the needs of each spouse. Retaining an experienced alimony attorney can help you convince the court that your former spouse does not need alimony because they are capable of supporting themselves. Alternatively, I work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse needs less than he or she asked for.

In Illinois, there are four types of alimony agreements:

• Temporary alimony. Provides support during the divorce action, which may include attorney fees and relevant litigation costs.
• Rehabilitative alimony. Helps a dependent spouse become self-reliant and may end when an ex-spouse has found a job or has completed his or her education.
• Reimbursement alimony. Is awarded to the spouse who worked to support the family while the other spouse pursued professional training or career development. This type of alimony agreement may end or the amount paid may decrease once the spouse has been compensated.
• Permanent alimony. Is given to a spouse who is seriously ill or who has demonstrated economic need. This agreement can be modified due to changing financial needs or other circumstances.

I work with you to limit all spousal support awards.

Reducing support orders after a Illinois divorce

At Bugden Law Offices, I represent clients who wish to have a spousal support award reduced or ended. In many cases, the law allows for these changes. Support awards are often changed after:

• The spouse receiving the support remarries or moves in with a new partner.
• The spouse making the payments experiences a significant loss in income.
• The spouse receiving the payments experiences a significant gain in assets.
• The spouse receiving support becomes employed
• The spouse receiving support overcomes a disability or illness.

I help you present evidence to the court as to why the amount you pay should be decreased or request that the court properly enforce the alimony agreement.

Contact an experienced Illinois alimony attorney

Call 815-520-5443 or contact me online to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney at the Rockford, Illinois office of Bugden Law Offices.