If your marriage is coming to an end after many years, alimony (or spousal maintenance, as it’s known in Illinois) can offer you security as you transition into a new phase of life.
Maintenance is not automatic after any divorce. Courts take into account the length of the marriage and the circumstances of each spouse before making a decision about whether to award maintenance or not. A Cook County, IL alimony attorney can help you understand what a court will factor into its decision during your 2026 divorce.
Is Alimony Automatic After a Long Marriage in Illinois?
Maintenance is never automatic in Illinois divorces. Under 750 ILCS 5/504, the judge first makes a decision about whether an award of maintenance is appropriate. Specific points for the judge to consider are outlined in the statutes. If a court decides that maintenance is needed, it will decide on the amount and duration.