How Long Can I Receive Spousal Support in Illinois?

 Posted on February 23, 2026 in Spousal Support

If you are getting divorced in 2026 and expect to receive spousal support (also known as alimony), one of your biggest questions is probably how long those payments will continue. Spousal support, which Illinois calls "maintenance," is meant to give financial help as you rebuild your life after divorce.

Understanding how long you can receive maintenance is important for planning your future. If you need help with spousal support questions, a Western Springs divorce attorney can explain how Illinois law applies to your situation.

How Does Illinois Law Decide on Spousal Support Duration?

Illinois has a formula to determine how long spousal support should last. This formula is found in law 750 ILCS 5/504 and is based on the length of your marriage. The law uses percentages that increase slightly for each year the length of the marriage increases.

If you are married less than five years, for example, you can get support for a time equal to 20 percent of the marriage’s length. If you are married for five years, you can get support equal to 24 percent of the marriage’s length. If you are married for ten, you can get support equal to 44 percent of the marriage’s length.

Do Any Spouses Get Support for Their Whole Lives?

If you were married for 20 years or more, you could get support equalling at least the length of your marriage. The judge can also order "indefinite support," which means you get spousal support for the rest of your life.

What Is the Difference Between Fixed-Term and Indefinite Maintenance?

Illinois law recognizes three types of maintenance based on duration: 

Fixed-term Maintenance 

This has a specific end date. At that date, maintenance stops and cannot be extended. This is common in shorter marriages.

Indefinite Maintenance 

No set end date. It continues until the court modifies it or until certain events happen, like the recipient remarrying. This is more common in long marriages.

Reviewable Maintenance 

This is set for a specific term but includes a scheduled court review. At the review, the court will decide whether to continue, modify, or end the payments.

Judges can also order temporary support during court proceedings.

Does Spousal Support Ever Automatically End?

Maintenance may stop automatically in three situations: 

• If the person receiving support remarries, payments stop immediately. 
• If the person receiving support lives with another person in a romantic relationship on a steady basis, maintenance can be ended. 
• Lastly, if either the person paying or the person receiving maintenance dies, maintenance ends.

These apply regardless of what type of maintenance you have. Even if you were awarded indefinite maintenance, it will end if you remarry.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified in Illinois?

If there is a substantial change in circumstances, either party can ask the court to modify or end maintenance. This might include a big change in income, a serious illness, or a spouse getting remarried.

If you have fixed-term maintenance and the term has already ended, you cannot go back to court and ask for more. This is why legal help with negotiations about spousal support can be so useful.

Do Illinois Courts Always Use the Spousal Support Formula to Decide the Length of Maintenance?

The maintenance formula applies to almost all divorces where the combined gross income of both parties is less than $500,000 per year. If your combined income is more than that, the court may not follow the standard formula.

Call a Wheaton, IL Divorce Attorney Today

Understanding how long you can receive spousal support helps you plan for your financial future after divorce. The law gives guidelines, but every case has unique factors that can affect the outcome.

If you have questions about spousal support or need help with your divorce, the Western Springs divorce lawyers at Roberts PC can guide you through the process. We work hard to settle cases and save clients money whenever possible. If settlement is not an option, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Every client receives personal attention and has direct access to Attorney Robert’s cell phone number and email address. Contact Roberts PC at 630-668-4211 today for a free consultation to discuss your spousal support questions.