Can I Get Temporary Support During My Divorce?

 Posted on September 19, 2025 in Child Support

A divorce can be taxing in more ways than one. If you are going through financial hardship during your divorce, you can request temporary support to help ease the burden. If you are concerned about making ends meet during the legal proceedings, consider reaching out to a Skokie, IL divorce lawyer.

As a Certified Public Accountant and a family law attorney with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Curtis Ross is qualified to assist with financial matters in your divorce. We can provide you with strong advocacy and legal advice to help you request temporary support while your divorce is still ongoing.

What Kind of Support Is Available During a Divorce?

In Illinois, you can ask for temporary assistance in the form of alimony or child support. Alimony is paid for by the higher-earning spouse to provide for the needs of the lower-earning spouse when there is a clear financial need. Child support is intended to help pay for a child’s necessities, typically awarded to the parent with a greater share of parenting time.

During your divorce, either you or your spouse can request temporary support in a court order (750 ILCS 5/501). This may be your best option if you cannot afford to wait for alimony or child support until your divorce decree is finalized.

How Can I Get Alimony or Child Support During My Divorce?

Getting temporary support during your divorce is not as simple as asking the judge for assistance. The onus is on you to demonstrate your financial need. Our divorce lawyer can help you compile proof of income, verification of expenses, bank statements, and recent tax returns for the judge’s consideration.

When you request temporary support, you will have to file an affidavit, which is a sworn statement in writing that can be admitted to the court as evidence. Affidavits are used in a variety of legal contexts, but when you request temporary support, your affidavit essentially states that you are in urgent need of financial assistance.

What Will a Judge Consider Before Granting Temporary Support?

Upon receiving your affidavit and supporting evidence, the court will look at the totality of your circumstances before making a decision. Aside from your own need for financial support, the court will consider your spouse’s financial situation. If he or she is also going through financial hardship, it might impact your chances of obtaining a court order for temporary support. For child support specifically, the court will also consider the current custody arrangement.

If it is not clear whether temporary support is appropriate, a hearing may be scheduled to address the issue. You and your spouse will both be given the chance to present your case for or against a court order of support.

Meet With a Rolling Meadows, IL Divorce Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we know how important a court order of temporary support can be. When you work with our firm, we will fiercely advocate for your needs, speaking up for you in negotiations and in court. To schedule a free, limited consultation, call our offices at 312-984-1514 or reach out to our Skokie, IL family law attorney online.