Child Support & Maintenance (Alimony)

Trusted Guides For Complex Family Matters

Ensuring Fairness In Financial Support

Determination of child support and spousal maintenance are often central issues in divorce proceedings.  The purpose of both sources of financial support is to ensure that all members of the family (spouses and children alike) transition into their new two-household family dynamic with the least amount of financial disparity and hardship. 


The Law Offices of Pepi Camerlingo, P.C. represents both men and women in divorce and family law matters.  We will help you understand the financial aspects of divorce and advocate for appropriate determinations of child support and spousal support in your matter based on you and your family’s financial circumstances. 

Determination Of Child Support

Child support is largely dictated by the Illinois Child Support Guidelines, which is based

chiefly on the respective incomes levels of the parents and the number of minor children in need of support. Other factors that may be considered in child support determinations, which may lead to upward or downward deviations from guideline support may include:


  • Unreported income from a self-employed parent
  • Imputed income for an unemployed or underemployed parent
  • Big fluctuations in month-to-month income
  • Incomes above the state guidelines
  • Special needs of the child


As your counsel, we will ensure we have a complete understanding of you and your family’s financial circumstances, walk you through potential child support calculations specific to your matter, and where appropriate, advocate for or against potential deviations from child support guidelines. 


We also handle post-decree modifications of child support. 


Will There Be Maintenance (Alimony)?

Spousal support in Illinois is also known as “maintenance” (as opposed to the widely known term “alimony”).  Maintenance, as its name suggests, is intended to assist the lesser-earning spouse in maintaining a similar standard of living post-divorce as was enjoyed during the marriage.   The longer the marriage, the longer the duration of maintenance.  If a couple has been married for 20 years or longer, the court may grant “permanent” maintenance (aka, an indefinite period of time).


Unlike child support, the court has discretion in awarding maintenance. The judge considers many statutory factors such as age and health, education and employable skills, the disparity in income, the allocation of marital property, and whether the recipient made sacrifices that contributed to the earning capacity of their high-income spouse.


We can assess whether maintenance is likely and how much you would pay or receive. Spousal maintenance can also be a bargaining chip or offset in the property settlement, for example when one spouse wants to keep a business. We have argued for and against maintenance at trial, as well as on appeal.


Compassionate Advocacy For Complex Issues

Your post-divorce financial picture is too important to leave to chance. We are watching out for your interests and are always prepared to protect and advocate your interests both in and out of the courtroom.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

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