In Illinois, financial support provided from one spouse to another following a divorce is governed by statute. This support, intended to assist a lower-earning or non-earning spouse in maintaining a reasonable standard of living after the dissolution of the marriage, is determined based on various factors including the length of the marriage, the income and property of each party, and the earning capacity of each party. For example, a spouse who sacrificed career opportunities during a long marriage to care for the family may be awarded this support to allow them time to gain necessary skills for suitable employment.
The provision of post-divorce financial support serves to mitigate potential economic disparities that may arise from the termination of a marital partnership. Historically, such support aimed primarily to assist women who were financially dependent on their husbands. Modern legislation reflects evolving gender roles and acknowledges that either spouse may be eligible to receive support depending on the circumstances of the divorce. The aim is to promote fairness and to prevent undue hardship for either party as they transition to separate lives.
