Divorce is known for being expensive and people often put off pursuing divorce for many years because they fear the financial consequences will be too great. Much of the time, the people postponing divorce are women who have given up careers to be homemakers and who, without the assistance of their husbands, worry they cannot pay for an attorney.
While many of the partners who are reluctant to file for divorce might receive spousal maintenance and money from their marital property after the divorce is finalized, it is impossible to predict how long a divorce will take. Fortunately, there may be another option - temporary relief.
Temporary Child Support and Alimony
Illinois law allows spouses to ask a court for a temporary order requiring the other spouse to pay child support and/or spousal maintenance. The spouse petitioning for financial support can file an affidavit stating that they need immediate help and why. This requires the petitioning party to give evidence of their financial status, using income records like bank accounts, W2s, and tax returns, and expense records like mortgage statements, medical expenses, or school tuition.
...