Illinois Family Law Insider

How ONE Line in Your Illinois Divorce Could Cost You Thousands - #16

Sterling Lawyers Episode 16

How do Illinois child support and maintenance really work? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Senior Partner Ali Isroff to break down the complexity of Illinois support obligations. 

We explore:

  • The common misconceptions about what parents and spouses can actually expect from support calculations
  • How the income shares model considers both parents' incomes and overnight schedules for child support
  • Why monthly child support only covers basics while other expenses are allocated separately
  • Illinois maintenance formulas based on income levels and marriage duration
  • The reality that "indefinite" maintenance can be modified for retirement and other circumstances
  • Common termination factors including the complex cohabitation standard requiring extensive proof
  • Strategic considerations for buyouts and avoiding future litigation

Listen in for practical insights on Illinois support calculations, including why professional legal guidance is essential for accurate numbers and why the nuanced factors can significantly impact your long-term financial obligations.