3 reasons to go after lump-sum spousal maintenance

If you are in the middle of a divorce, you may have some very real worries about your ability to support yourself after your marriage ends. Fortunately, you may qualify for spousal maintenance, sometimes called alimony.

According to Illinois law, a court can order one spouse to pay spousal maintenance to the other for as long as the court deems it to be fair or just. While many divorcing spouses receive monthly spousal maintenance checks, others get all their money upfront. Here are three reasons you might want to consider doing so.

1. No unwanted reminders

You obviously have some good reasons for no longer wanting to be with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. If you would like to forget about your husband or wife, you might not want to receive regular spousal maintenance checks. Indeed, monthly payments can bring up some very bad memories.

2. An influx of cash

If you are ready to move on with your life, you might need a new place to call home. You also might want to buy a car or go back to school. Because each of these things can be expensive, you may want to have an influx of cash immediately after your marriage ends. Lump-sum spousal maintenance gives that to you.

3. Some level of certainty

You might expect to receive spousal maintenance for a few years. If your future ex-spouse becomes unable to work, though, you might not receive anywhere near what you are due. Lump-sum spousal maintenance provides much more certainty.

Ultimately, because there are some downsides to requesting lump-sum spousal maintenance, you should be sure you carefully consider all your options before doing anything else.