Alimony Calculator

Illinois law provides general guidelines for alimony calculations in divorce cases, and below, you can find information about calculating expected alimony payments. There were significant changes to state alimony laws in 2019, and the law can change at any time. There can also be outlier cases, so it is best to consult with an Illinois alimony attorney about your specific situation.

Alimony Formulas

In Illinois divorce cases, the amount of alimony is generally calculated as follows:

• Determining one-third (33 percent) of the paying spouse’s net income
• Subtracting one-fourth (25 percent) of the receiving spouse’s net income

The result is the yearly alimony to be paid, as long as it does not cause the recipient to bring in over 40 percent of the combined net income of the two.

The duration of alimony also needs to be calculated, and this is mostly based on the duration of the marriage. For example, for marriages lasting less than five years, the alimony should last for 20 percent of the duration of the marriage. The percentages continue:

• Marriages lasting five years = 24 percent
• Marriages lasting six years = 28 percent
• Marriages lasting seven years = 32 percent
• Marriages lasting eight years = 36 percent
• Marriages lasting nine years = 40 percent
• Marriages lasting ten years = 44 percent
• Marriages lasting 11 years = 48 percent
• Marriages lasting 12 years = 52 percent
• Marriages lasting 13 years = 56 percent
• Marriages lasting 14 years = 60 percent
• Marriages lasting 15 years = 64 percent
• Marriages lasting 16 years = 68 percent
• Marriages lasting 17 years = 72 percent
• Marriages lasting 18 years = 76 percent
• Marriages lasting 19 years = 80 percent
• Marriages lasting 20 years = 100 percent of the marriage or permanent alimony at the court’s discretion

While these are the basic formulas for the length and duration of alimony, there are cases in which the calculations can vary. Some exceptions may apply if the payer is already subject to child support orders or the spouses’ combined income exceeds $500,000.

Can I Expect Alimony After My Divorce?

Not every divorce results in an alimony order, as some divorces involve two spouses with similar abilities to support themselves financially following the divorce. If one spouse needs some assistance to become financially independent, however, that spouse might request and be awarded alimony.

Courts review different factors when deciding whether to award alimony, including;

• The income and property (including marital property distribution) of each spouse
• The financial needs of each spouse
• The current and potential earning ability of each spouse, which is based on age, training, education, physical condition, experience, childcare obligations, and more
• Length of the marriage and the standard of living during the marriage
• Length of time one spouse needs to become self-sufficient
• Contributions one spouse made to the other’s career (financial or otherwise)
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place
• Tax obligations caused by the divorce
• Any other relevant factors the court finds to be just and equitable

Contact an Illinois Alimony Attorney for More Information

If you are facing a possible alimony determination as either the possible payer or recipient, you want the right law firm protecting your interests and rights under the law. Seek help from SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC by contacting us directly today.