How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Spousal Support

 When a married couple separates, one spouse may need help adjusting to his or her new financial circumstances. In Illinois, judges can include spousal support in a divorce decree to aid struggling spouses. At a judge’s discretion, spousal support may last for only a short while or for a long stretch of time. Regardless of what you stand to gain or lose from spousal support, a Rolling Meadows, IL divorce attorney can stand up for your best interests.

Attorney Curtis Ross has over 30 years of experience handling divorce cases on behalf of his clients, and he is qualified to handle cases involving complex financial matters. Our firm will advocate for your long-term needs in disputes related to spousal support.

Types of Alimony in Illinois

Spousal support is not always awarded in Illinois divorces. In fact, if you do not actively petition for financial support, you might not receive it at all. This is because judges only award alimony when it is necessary to prevent undue financial stress.

The judge can dictate how long the order will last. Temporary spousal support, for example, may only last while the divorce is still ongoing. In other cases, rehabilitative alimony may be more appropriate. This kind of support lasts until the recipient spouse attains the required training to become self-supporting. In other cases, long-term or even permanent spousal support may be awarded.

When Can I Stop Paying Maintenance?

If you are responsible for paying spousal support, you may be understandably anxious about how long the court order will last. The terms of the decree will detail all of your obligations. Alimony may terminate at a set date, or until your spouse becomes financially independent.

There are other notable circumstances in which spousal support payments can end early. You will no longer be responsible for paying maintenance if your spouse remarries, regardless of how long the order was supposed to last. You can also petition to terminate alimony if your spouse moves in with a new romantic partner. However, the burden of proof is on you to show that they are cohabitating and supporting each other.

You may have grounds to terminate spousal support early if your ex refuses to seek employment or training to become financially independent. On the other hand, if your ex receives a significant pay increase, spousal support may be deemed unnecessary by the court.

Can Alimony Be Awarded Indefinitely?

In Illinois, you can only petition for indefinite spousal support in exceptional circumstances. Typically, permanent support is only awarded after a marriage lasting at least 20 years. The court may award indefinite alimony if it would be impractical for the recipient spouse to re-enter the workforce.

Our firm can review your case to see if indefinite alimony is realistic. Wherever you stand on the issue, we will fight for the best possible result.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Divorce Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we know all too well that divorce can come with dramatic financial changes. Our Skokie, IL alimony attorney can represent you in court and argue for your needs in spousal support concerns. We offer free limited consultations at 312-984-1514.