Life circumstances can change after a divorce, and those changes may affect your ability to pay or receive spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony. If your financial situation has shifted, you may be wondering whether you can modify your existing support order. In Illinois, the law allows for changes in certain situations, but you must meet specific legal requirements. A Wheaton, IL alimony attorney can help you understand what qualifies as a valid reason to request a change to spousal maintenance in your case.
When Can Spousal Maintenance Be Modified in Illinois?
Illinois law allows either party to request a change to a spousal maintenance order if there has been a “substantial change in circumstances.” This is outlined in Section 510(c) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which permits courts to modify, suspend, or terminate maintenance based on significant changes in income, employment, health, or other factors. Examples of substantial changes include: