Chicago Maintenance Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Chicago Maintenance Lawyer?

Managing spousal maintenance (commonly referred to as alimony in other states) is one of the most financially significant aspects of divorce. Whether you are seeking maintenance or being asked to pay - the amount, duration, and structure of payments can have a lasting impact on your financial future.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we provide thoughtful, strategic representation to individuals throughout Chicago facing maintenance-related matters during or after divorce. You may benefit from working with a lawyer if:

• You and your spouse have significantly different incomes.
• You sacrificed career opportunities to support your spouse or raise children.
• Your spouse is seeking maintenance, and you believe the amount requested is unfair.
• You need to modify or terminate a current maintenance order due to a change in financial circumstances.
• You are unsure how recent changes in tax law affect your maintenance payments.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Chicago Maintenance Lawyers?

Here’s why clients throughout Chicago trust Nottage and Ward, LLP:

• 35+ Years of Focused Family Law Experience: Since 1988, Nottage and Ward, LLP has devoted its practice exclusively to family law, bringing decades of insight and refined strategy to every case we handle.
• Strategic Advocacy in High-Income and High-Asset Cases: Our attorneys are skilled in handling cases that exceed the standard income thresholds, where creativity, negotiation, and financial acumen are essential for a fair and lasting resolution.
• Respected by Peers and Judges Throughout Cook County: Our reputation has been built on consistent professionalism, preparedness, and integrity—qualities recognized by colleagues and members of the judiciary alike.
• Listed in Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers: This distinction reflects our firm’s long-standing commitment to legal excellence, ethical practice, and achieving meaningful results for our clients.
• Trusted by Professionals, Business Owners, and Executives: We regularly represent clients with significant personal and business interests, providing legal counsel that is both sophisticated and highly attuned to privacy and long-term financial planning.
• Inclusive Representation for Same-Sex Couples: We proudly serve individuals and families across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, with a clear understanding of the unique legal concerns faced by same-sex couples in family law matters.

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High-Income Divorce? We’re Here to Help

We can help you pursue a fair and sensible maintenance outcome. Call our Cook County maintenance attorneys at (312) 332-2915 to learn more today.

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What Is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. It is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably similar to that enjoyed during the marriage.

Maintenance may be temporary (during the divorce process), fixed-term (after the divorce), or permanent in rare cases. It can be ordered by the court or agreed to in a settlement.

In Illinois, courts consider maintenance separately from child support. The goal is not to equalize income, but to recognize economic disparity and provide appropriate financial transition.

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How an Attorney Can Help

Even if your divorce is uncontested, properly addressing spousal maintenance now can prevent future disputes and protect your financial wellbeing. Spousal maintenance is not one-size-fits-all. Our attorneys provide:

• Clear guidance on what the law allows and what to expect
• Skilled negotiation to reach fair terms without unnecessary conflict
• Comprehensive analysis of income, earning potential, and lifestyle
• Effective representation in contested hearings and trials
• Creative strategies for structuring maintenance payments
• Enforcement or modification of existing orders

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Types of Maintenance in Illinois

Temporary Maintenance

Awarded during the divorce proceedings to help one spouse meet daily expenses until the final divorce judgment is entered.

Fixed-Term Maintenance

Awarded for a specific duration after divorce. Common in medium-length marriages where one spouse needs time to reenter the workforce.

Reviewable Maintenance

Granted for a set time but subject to review by the court to determine whether further payments are needed.

Permanent Maintenance

Reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse may not realistically become self-supporting due to age, health, or other factors.

Lump-Sum Maintenance

A one-time payment made instead of periodic payments, often used in negotiated settlements to provide financial closure.

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What Factors Affect Maintenance Payments?

While Illinois law provides a statutory formula to calculate maintenance in many divorce cases, courts are not bound to apply it rigidly in every situation. Judges retain discretion to adjust maintenance based on the specific facts of a case, particularly when the circumstances fall outside the typical income range or involve nuanced personal dynamics.

Some of the most influential factors courts consider include:

• Length of the marriage – Longer marriages often result in longer or more substantial maintenance, particularly if one spouse was financially dependent during the relationship.
• Income and earning capacity of each spouse – Courts assess both current earnings and the realistic ability of each party to earn income in the future. If one spouse left the workforce or limited their career for family reasons, that will weigh into the equation.
• Age and health – A spouse’s ability to support themselves may be affected by health concerns, age-related limitations, or anticipated future medical needs.
• Standard of living during the marriage – While Illinois courts don’t aim to maintain identical post-divorce lifestyles, the marital standard of living still serves as a benchmark for what may be considered a fair maintenance award.
• Contributions to the marriage – These include financial and non-financial contributions, such as managing the household, raising children, or supporting a spouse’s career or education.
• Educational or career sacrifices – If one spouse deferred or gave up educational or professional advancement to support the marriage or family, the court may account for that in determining maintenance.
• Current and future financial needs – The court evaluates each party’s reasonable expenses, obligations, and financial goals moving forward.

For high-income or high-asset divorces where the combined gross income of both spouses exceeds the statutory cap, the court has broader discretion to craft a maintenance arrangement that reflects the couple’s unique financial circumstances. In these cases, maintenance awards are not formulaic; instead, judges consider the totality of the financial picture, including complex assets, tax implications, and long-term planning.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand how critical it is to present a full, accurate picture to the court. Our team is experienced in navigating the legal, financial, and personal complexities of maintenance in both typical and high-net-worth divorces.

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Do You Have Questions About Maintenance?

Get clear, tailored insight to your financial situation and future. Call Nottage and Ward, LLP at (312) 332-2915 today.

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Your Attorney Can Negotiate Fair Maintenance Payments

Negotiating maintenance isn't just about spreadsheets and numbers—it's about presenting the full picture of your life during the marriage. At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that maintenance discussions are often some of the most emotionally charged and financially impactful aspects of a divorce. That’s why we approach every case with both sensitivity and strength, balancing practical strategy with a clear understanding of your long-term needs.

We begin with a thorough review of your financial circumstances and contributions throughout the marriage. This includes:

• Accurate financial disclosures to ensure that all sources of income—earned and unearned—are fully accounted for. We look beyond basic paychecks to uncover bonuses, commissions, business income, and more.
• Vocational assessments to determine earning capacity when one spouse has left or scaled back a career to support the household or raise children.
• Lifestyle analysis to demonstrate the standard of living maintained during the marriage. While Illinois courts don't rely solely on lifestyle, this analysis can help contextualize what a "reasonable" outcome looks like.
• Creative structuring of payments, such as tiered or step-down maintenance, when appropriate, to help both parties plan for future changes and transitions.

We are committed to negotiating fair outcomes that allow our clients to move forward with financial security. While we prioritize reaching agreements out of court to reduce conflict and expense, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in litigation when needed. With over 35 years of experience, our firm brings intelligence and sensibility to each case—whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.

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Modifying or Terminating Maintenance Payments

Circumstances change—and Illinois law allows for modification or termination of maintenance under certain conditions:

You may be able to modify maintenance if:

• There is a significant change in income (job loss, illness, retirement)
• The recipient has increased earning capacity
• The existing order was reviewable

Maintenance can be terminated if:

• The recipient remarries
• The recipient begins cohabiting with a new partner on a continuing, conjugal basis
• One party passes away

Our Chicago divorce attorneys can help you:

• Petition the court for modification or termination
• Defend against inappropriate modification requests
• Ensure court orders reflect current financial realities

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

The strongest representation I could ask for -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest & the best interest of my son. Always prompt in getting back to me & keeping me well informed.

Smart, incredibly patient, and a great advocate - Kris (5-Star Avvo Review)

Jeff handled my divorce proceedings, which took approximately 14 months. Divorce is very difficult, but Jeff managed to make this painful process a bit more bearable. Jeff was very professional and direct in his approach, while at the same time very funny and able to diffuse the tension when needed most. He is smart, incredibly patient, and a great advocate to have on your side. I was pleased with the outcome and will definitely use him again if the need arises.

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Speak With a Chicago Divorce and Family Law Attorney

Whether you are seeking maintenance or facing a demand for support, our attorneys are here to provide clarity and confidence. With decades of experience guiding clients through complex family law issues, Nottage and Ward, LLP is a trusted name in spousal maintenance representation throughout Chicago.

Call (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation today.

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Maintenance FAQs

What is spousal maintenance in Illinois?

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a separation or divorce. It’s intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a lifestyle reasonably similar to that experienced during the marriage.

Who is eligible to receive maintenance?

Eligibility depends on several factors, including the length of the marriage, income disparity, each spouse’s earning potential, and whether one spouse made career or educational sacrifices. The court evaluates both need and ability to pay.

How is maintenance calculated in Illinois?

For most cases where the combined gross income is below a statutory threshold, Illinois courts use a formula based on the spouses’ incomes and length of the marriage. For high-income cases exceeding that limit, the court has discretion and may deviate from the formula based on fairness.

How long does maintenance last?

The duration of maintenance depends on how long the marriage lasted. Illinois law uses a scale that increases with the length of the marriage, but in some long-term marriages, permanent or indefinite maintenance may be awarded.

Can maintenance be modified after divorce?

Yes, in many cases. Maintenance can be modified or terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, significant change in income, or the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation.

What if my spouse refuses to pay court-ordered maintenance?

If a court has ordered maintenance and your former spouse is not paying, enforcement actions can be taken. This may include wage garnishment, liens, or court sanctions. Our attorneys can help you enforce your order.

Is maintenance tax-deductible?

Not anymore. For divorces finalized after January 1, 2019, maintenance payments are no longer tax-deductible for the payer and are not taxable income for the recipient. This change significantly impacts how maintenance is structured in settlement negotiations.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is the managing partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP, bringing more than 25 years of focused experience in Illinois family law to clients facing complex and often emotionally charged legal issues. Jeffrey has built a reputation as a thoughtful, strategic advocate, particularly in matters involving high-net-worth divorce, maintenance, and the allocation of parental responsibilities.

Jeffrey handles a full range of family law issues including dissolution of marriage, post-decree modifications, parenting time disputes, and grandparent rights. He is known for his analytical approach and his ability to craft personalized legal strategies that protect his clients’ long-term financial and parental interests.

Leslie Fineberg

Leslie Fineberg is a founding partner of Nottage and Ward, LLP, where she has dedicated more than three decades to representing individuals in high-stakes family law matters throughout the Chicago area. Leslie is widely respected for her deep legal knowledge, steady judgment, and commitment to protecting her clients’ interests during some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Leslie’s practice includes dissolution of marriage, maintenance (spousal support), allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and complex asset division. She also represents grandparents and third parties in custody and visitation disputes. Known for her calm, strategic approach, Ms. Fineberg provides each client with a tailored legal strategy rooted in clarity, discretion, and compassion.

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Additional Information

• Divorced More Than Once? Here’s How to Handle Maintenance in Illinois
• Are Your Maintenance Payments Taxable Income in Illinois?
• COVID-19 And Spousal Maintenance: When You Can No Longer Pay
• Spousal Maintenance In Illinois