Illinois uses a guideline formula for temporary spousal support and a multi-factor analysis for permanent support. Understand your eligibility, estimated amount, and likely duration under 750 ILCS 5/504.
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Temporary support in Illinois is calculated using a guideline formula during the divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo.
Formula: 33.33% of payor net income minus 25% of payee net income. 40% cap: maintenance plus payee income cannot exceed 40% of combined net income. Applies only when combined gross income is below $500,000; above that threshold, the court has full discretion using 14 factors.
Permanent (long-term) support in Illinois is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under 750 ILCS 5/504. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in Illinois include: Fixed-term, Reviewable, Indefinite (20+ year marriages). The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: 750 ILCS 5/504
The court considers these 13 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Income and property of each party
Needs of each party
Present and future earning capacity
Impairment of earning capacity from devoting time to domestic duties
Time needed to acquire education, training, or employment
Standard of living during the marriage
Duration of the marriage
Age, health, station, and occupation of each party
All sources of public and private income
Tax consequences
Contributions and services to the education, training, or career of the other party
Any valid agreement of the parties
Any other factor the court finds just and equitable
Year-by-year multiplier: <5yr = 0.20, 5yr = 0.24, 6yr = 0.28, 7yr = 0.32, 8yr = 0.36, 9yr = 0.40, 10yr = 0.44, 11yr = 0.48, 12yr = 0.52, 13yr = 0.56, 14yr = 0.60, 15yr = 0.64, 16yr = 0.68, 17yr = 0.72, 18yr = 0.76, 19yr = 0.80. Duration = marriage years x multiplier. 20+ years: court discretion for term equal to marriage length or indefinite.
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
Illinois uses the most precise year-by-year duration multiplier table in the nation.
The $500,000 combined gross threshold is unique — above it, the formula does not apply.
Terminates on death, remarriage, or cohabitation on a conjugal basis (504(b-5)).
Pure no-fault since 2016 — fault excluded from maintenance analysis (dissipation excepted).
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
Residency Requirement
90 days (one of the shortest in the US)
Mandatory Waiting Period
No mandatory waiting period
No-Fault Ground
Irreconcilable differences only (pure no-fault since 2016)
State Income Tax
Flat 4.95%
Illinois uses a formula for temporary spousal support: Formula: 33.33% of payor net income minus 25% of payee net income. 40% cap: maintenance plus payee income cannot exceed 40% of combined net income. Applies only when combined gross income is below $500,000; above that threshold, the court has full discretion using 14 factors. For permanent support, the court applies a multi-factor analysis under 750 ILCS 5/504.
Illinois recognizes the following types of spousal support: Fixed-term, Reviewable, Indefinite (20+ year marriages). The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
Year-by-year multiplier: <5yr = 0.20, 5yr = 0.24, 6yr = 0.28, 7yr = 0.32, 8yr = 0.36, 9yr = 0.40, 10yr = 0.44, 11yr = 0.48, 12yr = 0.52, 13yr = 0.56, 14yr = 0.60, 15yr = 0.64, 16yr = 0.68, 17yr = 0.72, 18yr = 0.76, 19yr = 0.80. Duration = marriage years x multiplier. 20+ years: court discretion for term equal to marriage length or indefinite.
Yes. Spousal support orders in Illinois can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on Illinois's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free IllinoisEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Illinois family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Illinois family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: 750 ILCS 5/504.