How Illinois maintenance is calculated
Divide gross annual income by 12, locate that monthly amount in the official 2026 HFS conversion table, then use the selected standardized tax column. The table uses income bands and tax assumptions; it does not reproduce your exact paycheck, actual tax return, or every allowed adjustment.
The majority-parenting-time column uses different standardized assumptions from the other column. With no children, this tool uses the non-majority column for both people as an approximation. Agreements, tax attributes and court findings may call for an individualized tax calculation. The tool shows no result for nonzero incomes below or above the conversion table, rather than inventing a tax rate.
The amount uses one-third of estimated payor net income minus one-quarter of estimated recipient net income, subject to the 40% combined-net-income cap. The tool stops at combined gross annual income of $500,000 or more and when prior-relationship support obligations or other listed complexities apply. A zero formula result is not a ruling on entitlement.
Duration uses marriage length when the action was commenced. At 20 years or more, the statute provides a term equal to the marriage length or an indefinite term at the court’s discretion. Temporary maintenance credits, non-guideline findings and existing orders can affect the outcome. Older tax-deductible maintenance orders need a separate method.
Sources and privacy
Tables effective March 20, 2026; sources checked October 16, 2026. Calculations run in your browser. Income entries and results are not sent to Charles, saved in site storage or added to an inquiry. You can request a conversation separately when you are ready.
- Illinois HFS Income Shares: schedules, worksheets and official estimator
- 2026 standardized gross-to-net table
- 2026 basic child-support schedule
- 2026 HFS methodology and limitations
- 750 ILCS 5/504 and 505
Illinois alimony calculator questions
Is alimony the same as maintenance in Illinois?
Yes. Maintenance is the term used in Illinois divorce law for support paid by one spouse to the other. This calculator estimates an amount and duration; it does not decide whether either spouse is entitled to maintenance.
Do I enter gross income or take-home pay?
Enter annual gross wages before taxes. The calculator converts that amount using standardized 2026 Illinois HFS tax tables. Your actual net income for maintenance may differ because of tax circumstances and permitted adjustments.
What if our combined income is $500,000 or more?
The statutory guideline threshold is combined gross annual income below $500,000. At $500,000 or more, this tool stops and individual analysis is needed. A result unavailable from this calculator does not mean maintenance is zero.
What if my income includes bonuses, stock awards or a business?
A wage bonus can be included in the annual wage amount you want to model, but the relevant income period and payment terms still need review. Business income, stock awards and fluctuating compensation can require a more detailed analysis than this calculator provides.
Does Chicago use a different maintenance formula?
Chicago and the other Illinois counties use the same state maintenance statute. Local procedure and the facts of your case still matter. Charles represents clients from Beermann’s Chicago office in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kendall and Kane Counties.
Does using this calculator contact a lawyer?
No. Your financial entries stay in your browser and do not request representation. Use the separate conversation link if you want Charles’s team to contact you.
Related guidance
Illinois maintenance: eligibility, amount and duration · Bonuses and commissions in divorce · Paying for a divorce lawyer
Bonuses, self-employment and child support · Variable-income maintenance
Charles M. Wright practices with Beermann LLP and builds a team around the issues in your case. Request a conversation, or call 312-621-9700 and ask for Charles Wright.