How Alimony Works in High-Income Illinois Divorces
Posted on November 12, 2025 in Spousal Maintenance
The financial side of divorce can become more complicated when it involves significant income and assets. High-income couples often receive income from bonuses, business ownership, or investments. These income sources can change from year to year, which makes it harder to calculate support. Working with a Geneva, IL high-income divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your financial future.
How Does Spousal Maintenance Work in Illinois?
In Illinois, alimony is called spousal maintenance, and the rules are outlined under 750 ILCS 5/504. This is money that one spouse pays to the other after the divorce. It helps a spouse with less access to financial resources maintain stability. It also gives them time to work toward financial independence.
The court looks at several factors when deciding whether to award maintenance. These include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning ability, and the lifestyle the couple had during the marriage. The court also looks at whether one spouse stayed home to raise children or manage the household. They need to paint a clear picture of the financial situation to understand what it will look like for both spouses after divorce. This process is often much more complex in high-income households.
Why Is It So Hard to Calculate Alimony in a High-Income Divorce?
Income in high-income marriages often comes from many different places. Some sources may change from year to year. This makes it harder to find a clear number to use for maintenance. Common income sources that may require closer review include:
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Bonuses and commission-based pay
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Business ownership and profit distributions
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Investment and dividend income
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Stock options or deferred compensation plans
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Rental income from real estate
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Cryptocurrency or other digital assets
This is why financial experts are sometimes called on to help. For example, a forensic accountant can review business records to determine a spouse’s true income. A valuation expert can help determine how much a business or investment portfolio is worth. These steps help make sure the support amount is based on accurate financial information.
How Long Will Spousal Support Last in Illinois?
The length of spousal maintenance depends on the length of the marriage. Shorter marriages often lead to shorter support periods. Longer marriages may result in support that lasts many years. In marriages that last 15 years or more, the court may even order maintenance for an indefinite amount of time.
The court also considers the lifestyle the couple had during the marriage. If one spouse needs time to develop job skills or return to work, support may be ordered for a longer period. The goal is to avoid placing one spouse at a severe financial disadvantage after divorce.
Can Maintenance Be Modified Later in Illinois?
Modifying spousal maintenance is possible under 750 ILCS 5/510. If your life situation changes in a significant way, you can ask the court to review the support order. This may happen if you retire, lose your job, experience a serious health issue, or if your income increases or decreases in a meaningful way.
However, some divorce agreements state that maintenance is non-modifiable. This means the support amount and duration cannot be changed. It is important to understand whether your agreement includes non-modifiable support before signing a settlement.
Contact a Kane County, IL High-Asset Divorce Attorney Today
Decisions about maintenance can affect your financial stability for many years. At The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates, we can help you understand your options and prepare a strategy that fits your situation. Attorney Douglas B. Warlick is trained in collaborative law and also prepared to go to court if necessary to protect your interests.
To discuss your situation and your next steps, contact a Geneva, IL high-income divorce lawyer today. Call 630-232-9700 today to schedule a consultation.
