How Long Do I Have To Pay Spousal Support in Illinois?

 Posted on November 30, 2025 in Alimony

The amount of time you must pay spousal support, also known as maintenance or alimony, depends on how long you were married, how much each person earns, and the financial needs of both sides. The purpose is not to punish one spouse or reward the other. It is designed to make things fair when one person may need extra help after the marriage ends. Talking with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL spousal maintenance lawyer can help you understand how long payments may last and what options you have if things change in the future.

Can Spousal Support Be Temporary or Permanent?

Under 750 ILCS 5/504, Illinois courts can order different types of spousal support. Temporary maintenance is support that helps one spouse cover expenses while the divorce case is still going on. This type of payment usually stops once the divorce is finalized.

Fixed-term or reviewable maintenance is the most common kind. It continues for a set amount of time, often based on how long the marriage lasted. Illinois law uses a specific formula to help calculate this. For example, if you were married for ten years, the court might order maintenance for about four years. The judge can adjust this time period depending on the facts of your case.

Permanent maintenance may be ordered after long marriages. This happens when one spouse cannot become financially independent due to age, disability, or time away from work. This type of support continues until the court changes or ends it.

When Does Spousal Support End in Illinois?

Spousal support does not last forever. Under 750 ILCS 5/510(c), there are several situations that cause maintenance to end. Some of the most common include:

• The time period in the court order runs out.

• The receiving spouse gets remarried.

• Either former spouse dies.

If one of these things happens, you can ask the court to stop the order. You can also request to end support early if you can prove your ex is living with a partner in a relationship that is comparable to a marriage.

Can I Get an Illinois Court To Lower My Maintenance Payments?

If your financial situation changes, you can ask the court to review your maintenance order. Illinois law allows changes when there is a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if you lost your job, retired, or developed a serious health issue, you might be able to modify your support order.

To make changes, you must file a request with the court. However, in the meantime, you should not decide on your own to stop paying. Doing so could lead to legal problems like wage garnishment or being found in contempt of court. When reviewing your request, the judge will look at your income, your ex-spouse’s income, and the reasons for the change.

If your former spouse starts earning more money or receives a large inheritance, you may also have grounds to lower or end your payments. The court will decide what is fair based on both sides’ financial situations.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows, IL Spousal Support Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley, our Arlington Heights, IL spousal maintenance lawyer personally handles every part of your case. When you have a question or concern, you will speak directly with Attorney Don Cosley, not a paralegal or assistant. We provide personal, dedicated representation for every client. Call 847-253-3100 to schedule a free consultation today and talk to a lawyer who can help you understand your rights post-divorce.