Alimony, spousal support, and spousal maintenance are all terms used to describe the financial support a spouse pays to another spouse during or after a divorce. The laws about spousal maintenance vary from state to state. In Illinois, maintenance may be ordered by the court, or the spouses can negotiate a spousal maintenance agreement as a part of their divorce settlement.
If you are getting divorced in Illinois, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding spousal maintenance.
Parties May Negotiate a Spousal Maintenance Agreement
In Illinois, the spouses themselves can negotiate a spousal maintenance agreement during the divorce process. The agreement will be binding on both parties and is often used when the spouses are able to come to an understanding without court intervention. Some spouses find mediation helpful for negotiating the terms of a spousal maintenance agreement.
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