Spousal maintenance, as it is legally termed, refers to financial support one spouse may be ordered to provide to the other following a dissolution of marriage within the jurisdiction of Illinois. This support aims to address any economic disparities arising from the marriage and its dissolution. For example, if one spouse significantly sacrificed career opportunities to support the family or further the other spouse’s career, a court might order maintenance to help the disadvantaged spouse become self-sufficient.
The provision of support serves multiple purposes, including enabling the recipient to achieve financial independence, compensating for contributions made during the marriage, and mitigating the economic consequences of divorce. Historically, maintenance primarily aimed to support women who were financially dependent on their husbands. However, current laws are gender-neutral, considering the circumstances of both parties in determining eligibility and amount. This promotes fairness and recognizes the diverse roles spouses play in a marriage.