When you discover your spouse has been unfaithful, it can feel deeply unfair to think you might still have to pay them alimony, also called spousal support. After all, they broke their marriage vows. You might believe the courts would punish them for their actions by denying them alimony. Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated.
If you are going through a divorce and want to know how cheating affects alimony in 2026, a Wheaton, IL divorce attorney can explain your specific situation.
Does Cheating Affect Alimony in Illinois?
The short answer is no. Under 750 ILCS 5/504, courts award maintenance “without regard to marital misconduct.” This means that adultery, abandonment, or other types of bad behavior during the marriage do not prevent a spouse from receiving alimony.