Can a Stay-at-Home Parent Receive Alimony in an Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on April 16, 2026 in Alimony / Maintenance

Divorce changes many parts of a person’s life. Spouses will need to work through many issues as they begin living separately. A spouse who depended on the other for financial support may worry about how he or she will pay for daily needs after the divorce.

This can be a significant concern for stay-at-home parents, since a person who does not work outside the home may worry that they will need to seek employment and make arrangements for childcare. In some cases, these issues may be addressed through spousal maintenance (also known as alimony), in which one spouse will pay financial support to the other following the couple’s divorce. If you have any concerns about alimony, reach out to Goostree Law Group today. Our DuPage County, IL divorce lawyers have decades of experience, and we provide aggressive representation for stay-at-home parents.

Can You Get Spousal Support in Addition to Child Support in Illinois?

In some Illinois divorces, a parent may receive both child support and spousal support. These two forms of support serve different purposes, so one does not automatically replace the other. Illinois law allows courts to address child support and maintenance as separate issues in the same divorce case.

Child support is meant to help pay for a child’s needs. That can include food, housing, clothing, school costs, health care, and other daily expenses. It’s based on the parents’ incomes and their duty to support their children. That means it is meant for the child, not for the lower-earning spouse.

A stay-at-home parent might receive child support to help raise the children and spousal maintenance to help meet his or her own reasonable living expenses. The court will look at the full financial picture before making these decisions.

If the other parent does not pay court-ordered spousal support or child support, enforcement options are available. Our firm can help you pursue late payments if necessary.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Maintenance in Illinois?

After a divorce, both spouses should be able to meet their basic needs and maintain a reasonably similar lifestyle. Life will likely change in some ways, but neither spouse should be left unable to pay for everyday living expenses. Parents also want to keep life as stable as possible for their children. Major changes at home can affect a child’s emotional well-being, school performance, and sense of security.

For that reason, a stay-at-home parent may need financial support after the marriage ends. If one parent gave up work to care for the children and manage the home, spousal maintenance may help that parent continue covering household expenses.

Still, maintenance is not automatic. In some divorces, the spouses agree on support as part of a settlement. If they cannot agree, the spouse asking for maintenance can ask the judge to order support. 

What Do Illinois Judges Consider Before Awarding Alimony in 2026?

When deciding if alimony is needed, an Illinois judge will look at several factors (750 ILCS 5/504). The judge may consider each spouse’s financial needs, income, earning ability, and future opportunities to support himself or herself.

The court may also look at whether one spouse put family responsibilities ahead of a career. For example, a judge may consider whether a spouse stayed home with the children or managed the household so the other spouse could go to school, get training, or focus on work.

If maintenance is awarded, it will usually last for a set period of time based on how long the marriage lasted. This support can help a stay-at-home parent continue meeting the children’s needs while also preparing to return to work through education, training, or job experience.

Does Property Division Affect My Eligibility for Alimony in Illinois?

Property division can affect whether maintenance is awarded. Among other factors, the court may consider the property each spouse receives in the divorce. Illinois law allows the court to look at each party’s income and property when deciding maintenance.

For example, a spouse may receive money or valuable property in the divorce. In that situation, the court may decide that the person needs less monthly support. Still, getting property does not always mean maintenance should be denied. A spouse may still need support if the property cannot easily be used to pay regular bills or does not bring in enough income.

A judge may also consider the type of property awarded. Getting part of a retirement account is not the same as having cash available to pay rent, groceries, and utilities right away. A person can be "asset-rich" on paper but still struggle to cover daily expenses. Therefore, property division and alimony are closely related, but not identical issues.

Should a Stay-at-Home Spouse Consider Lump-Sum Alimony in Illinois?

Lump sum alimony means support is paid in one larger payment instead of monthly payments. For some spouses, this can provide more certainty. This type of payment may help when the paying spouse can afford to pay more up front. It may also help if both spouses want to avoid future arguments about missed payments. A stay-at-home spouse may be able to use this money for housing, job training, or other major expenses after divorce.

Still, lump-sum alimony is not right for everyone. Monthly maintenance can provide steady support over time, which may be better for budgeting. A spouse should think carefully about long-term needs before agreeing to a lump-sum arrangement.

Cohabitation and Remarriage Can Affect Alimony for Stay-at-Home Parents

Cohabitation and remarriage can change whether spousal support continues. In Illinois, maintenance usually ends if the receiving spouse gets remarried. It may also end if that spouse begins living with a new partner on a continuing, marriage-like basis. This does not happen in every case automatically, but it can be a reason to ask the court to stop support. 

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Family Law Attorneys

At Goostree Law Group, we understand the financial stressors faced by stay-at-home parents. We can represent you during your case and help you seek the financial support you need. Contact our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers at 630-584-4800 to set up a free consultation today.