Alimony and Child Support in Illinois Divorce | Grayslake Family Law | AKL Legal, LLC
When you go through a divorce, one of the most important — and often most complicated — steps is separating your financial life from your spouse’s. For many couples, years of shared income, expenses, and responsibilities can make that process feel overwhelming. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the question of alimony (spousal maintenance) and child support often takes center stage.
If you’re facing these financial questions in Lake County or McHenry County, an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer from AKL Legal, LLC can help you protect your interests and secure a fair outcome.
Alimony vs. Child Support: What’s the Difference?
Although both alimony and child support involve post-divorce payments, they serve very different purposes.
Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance in Illinois, is designed to support a lesser-earning spouse after divorce. It helps maintain stability for a spouse who may have paused a career, supported the household, or earned significantly less during the marriage.
Not every divorce results in alimony. If both spouses are financially independent or earn similar incomes, the court may decide that support isn’t necessary. Whether alimony is awarded — and how much — depends on your marriage’s unique details, including income, lifestyle, and the length of the relationship.
Child support, by contrast, is strictly for the benefit of the children. It ensures that both parents continue to provide for their child’s essential needs, including housing, food, medical care, clothing, and education. In Illinois, the non-custodial parent typically pays child support to the custodial parent under state guidelines.
How the IRS Views Alimony and Child Support
It’s also important to understand the tax implications. The IRS treats alimony and child support differently:
Alimony may be taxable income depending on when your divorce was finalized.
Child support is not taxable income for the receiving parent — and it’s not tax-deductible for the paying parent.
To qualify as alimony under IRS rules, payments must meet several conditions, including:
Payments are made in cash, check, or money order.
They stem from a valid divorce or separation decree.
The spouses do not live in the same household when payments are made.
The divorce agreement does not identify them as “non-alimony” payments.
Payments stop if the receiving spouse passes away.
How Illinois Courts Decide Alimony
When determining whether alimony (spousal maintenance) is appropriate, Illinois courts evaluate many factors, including:
Each spouse’s income and earning potential
The standard of living established during the marriage
The duration of the marriage
Each spouse’s financial needs and living expenses
Contributions to the household or family business
The age and health of each spouse
How marital property was divided
Courts aim to ensure that neither spouse is left financially disadvantaged after a divorce — but outcomes vary widely depending on your case.
Why You Need aKL LEgal, LLC — Lake County Divorce Lawyer
Determining what’s fair in alimony and child support is rarely straightforward. A knowledgeable divorce attorney can help you:
Calculate reasonable support obligations under Illinois law
Challenge unfair alimony requests
Modify existing child support or maintenance orders
Ensure your rights and your children’s needs are fully protected
At AKL Legal, LLC, we know divorce can be stressful and emotional. Our Grayslake family law attorneys represent clients throughout Lake County, McHenry County, and suburban Cook County, guiding them through every stage of the divorce process — from negotiation to court.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Divorce Lawyer Today
Untangling your finances during divorce can be complicated — but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re dealing with alimony, child support, or property division, the team at AKL Legal, LLC is here to help you protect your financial future.
Contact AKL Legal, LLC today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Lake County divorce lawyer who will stand by your side every step of the way.
