text: "Allimony in the state of Illinois? I'm about to divorce my husband, he dont know this yet. But I know i will get child support but i was wondering about alimony. My PT job brings me about $4,000.00 a year, only 4 thousand, no typo. And because he never wanted me to work more than that, I think I would be entitled to spousal support. His job and income always provided for me, now because of his lying and cheating, I'm walking out on ten years of marriage. Am i elligable for alimony according to IL law?"\n\nThe quick answer to your question is "Probably."\n\nThe basic purpose of maintenance is to allow spouses who were supported during the marriage-- but who are unable to support themselves after dissolution of the marriage-- to be able to have time to establish a fair degree of independence.  Consequently, maintenance payments for a year or two-- depending on the particular circumstances of the case-- might be warranted where the previously supported spouse is actively pursuing employment, job training or advanced education, where the other spouse has the financial means to provide such support,  and where the division of assets has not created a financial situation that provides a means of support already.\n\nFor example, if a previously supported spouse gets custody of children and is consequently awarded possession of the marital residence until the children reach the age of majority (when the house will be sold and the proceeds divided between the ex-spouses), then the other spouse's support of the residence might negate the need for maintenance payments.  Also, any large lump sum distributions of funds might do the same.\n\nKeep in mind, however, that Marital Settlement Agreements often include a waiver of maintenance-- and other provisions that severe ties as much as possible.  You do want to get DIVORCED, right?  The attorney fees, court costs and general headaches of trying to get paid maintenance sometimes outweigh the benefits of getting it.\n\n[This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice or representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.]