In contrast to child support, alimony isn’t calculated using a formula provided by the state. If the spouses cannot agree on an amount and duration of payments regarding spousal support, a judge will make the decision based on the circumstances of the parties involved.
Cancer Research Centers of America founder, Richard Stephenson, and his ex-spouse are in a contested court battle to determine spousal maintenance after negotiation efforts failed.
The wife is seeking $400,000 to maintain what was a lavish lifestyle during her lengthy marriage, which included private jets, mansions and fancy parties according to witness testimony.
Following a round of intense questioning to determine the assets and debts involved in order to determine spousal maintenance, Stephenson’s lawyer finally acknowledged his client’s ability to pay the desired sum.
However, the McHenry County judge overseeing the division of assets has the last word noting that despite Stephenson’s ability to pay that much “doesn’t mean she’s entitled to it, or that I [the judge] would order it.”
If you have questions regarding spousal maintenance in an Illinois divorce, contact the Family Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell PC for help.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Divorce judge: Stephenson’s Ability to Pay Doesn’t Mean Ex is Entitled”, by Amanda Marrazzo, October 26, 2016.