Illinois Alimony Laws 2020

Illinois in 2020?

“Gross income” is still defined as all income from all sources, but without maintenance payments awarded in the pending proceedings.  “Net income” is gross income minus certain items defined by statute.  For specifics on gross and net income, see our article entitled How is “Net Income” Calculated for Illinois Spousal Maintenance in 2019.

How is the Duration of Spousal Maintenance Calculated in Illinois in 2020?

In 2019, the method by which the duration of spousal maintenance is determined changed drastically.  The duration of maintenance is still calculated by multiplying a percentage that increases with the length of the marriage, however, the percentages are broken down with a more specific formula.  Prior to 2019, the breakdown for maintenance duration was as follows:

• 5 years or less (0.20
• 5-9 years (0.40)
• 10-14 years (.60)
• 15-19 years (0.80)
• 20 or more years, the court is instructed to order maintenance for a term equaling the length of the marriage or, alternatively, permanent maintenance.

Beginning in 2019, the multiplying factors are:

• Less than 5 years (0.20)
• 5 years (0.24)
• 6 years (0.28)
• 7 years (0.32)
• 8 years (0.36)
• 9 years (0.4)
• 10 years (0.44)
• 11 years (0.48)
• 12 years (0.52)
• 13 years (0.56)
• 14 years (0.60)
• 15 years (0.64)
• 16 years (0.68)
• 17 years (0.72)
• 18 years (0.76)
• 19 years (0.80)
• For 20 years or more, the period of maintenance will be equal to the duration of the marriage or for an indefinite term.