Alimony, often referred to as maintenance, is an option that may be granted to either spouse in a divorce case. Since a judge will wind up determining how much maintenance you will have to pay – or receive – it’s in your best interest to hire a maintenance attorney in Chicago to help you understand all of the legal regulations and considerations that go into a maintenance determination. An experienced attorney can help you to explore your options and also present all of the unique variables of your case and your situation – and according to Gordon & Perlut, LLC, every situation is, indeed, unique.
There are many factors that will be examined to determine maintenance in your case. Here are some of the most common:
Present and Future Income
Several factors having to do with you and your spouse’s respective incomes during the course of your marriage may come into play here. Your current income, your potential future income, and any martial property you own all fall under this umbrella. This also includes any other income you receive, such as disability payments.
The Length of Your Marriage
How long you have been married to your spouse will also determine how much money you are entitled to, or how much you must pay. Multiple factors may be examined here, such as the occupations you both held previously (which can determine what type of employment you may be qualified for in the future), your respective mental and physical health, and your ability to gain employment.
Standard of Living
Depending on who made more money – you or your spouse – maintenance will be determined by whether or not the spouse with less income will be able to maintain the lifestyle that they currently lead. Factors that can be taken into determination here could include whether or not one partner has stopped working in order to stay home and take care of your children, for example. Their lack of income during that time, plus the time it would take them as a result in order to get back into the work force, would be considered when it comes to determining maintenance amounts.
Since other factors and issues may come into play when determining maintenance, it’s always best that you consult an attorney to have your questions and concerns addressed. You’ll need the help of an experienced attorney to help you reach a fair determination in your case, regardless of whether you are the one receiving or paying maintenance.
For issues pertaining to family law, Gordon & Perlut, LLC has the expertise and professionalism to help you with your case. Contact us today for a consultation.
