How Lifestyle Impacts Spousal Support in High-Income Divorces

 Posted on December 13, 2025 in Spousal Support

In high-income divorces, spousal support, commonly known as alimony or maintenance, is often one of the most detailed and closely reviewed issues. If you built a comfortable or high-end lifestyle, the court must decide how that standard of living should affect financial support after the divorce is final. Illinois law does not promise that life will stay the same, but lifestyle does influence how support is reviewed. With a thorough review of your circumstances, our Romeoville, IL spousal maintenance lawyer can help you understand how lifestyle may influence alimony in your case.

Why Does Lifestyle Matter in High-Income Divorce Cases?

In Illinois, courts look at several factors when deciding whether spousal support should be awarded and in what amount. According to 750 ILCS 5/504, one of the main factors is the standard of living during the marriage.

In high-income cases, lifestyle often includes more than basic needs. It may involve travel, multiple vehicles, entertainment, and long-term savings habits. The court uses lifestyle to better understand what life looked like during the marriage. The goal is not to guarantee the same level of comfort forever. However, the courts want to avoid an unfair financial deterioration that does not match the reality of the marriage.

How Do Illinois Courts Define "Lifestyle" During a Marriage?

Lifestyle is not based on a short period of higher spending or one major purchase. Courts look at consistent spending and financial habits over time. Judges review records like tax returns, bank statements, and credit card activity to get a full picture of how the household operated. Some common financial considerations include:

• The type of home the family lived in and the housing costs

• Travel patterns and vacation history

• Education expenses, like private school or tutoring for children

• Vehicles and other large personal purchases

• Dining, entertainment, and recreation

• Investments and retirement planning

This broader review helps the court decide what level of support may be reasonable based on real financial behavior.

Can a Court Refuse Spousal Support Despite a Luxury Lifestyle?

A high lifestyle alone does not guarantee that spousal support will be awarded. Courts must also consider whether each spouse can support themselves. If both spouses earn strong incomes, receive valuable property, or have solid future earning potential, the court may decide that support is not needed.

Property division is closely tied to this decision. Under 750 ILCS 5/503, marital property must be divided fairly. If one spouse receives valuable income-producing assets, that award may reduce or replace the need for long-term maintenance. Judges also look at age, health, length of the marriage, and whether one spouse paused a career to support the household. Even in high-income divorces, courts aim to balance fairness with independence.

How Judges Protect Against Lifestyle Manipulation in High-Income Cases

Because lifestyle can affect support, judges take steps to make sure financial information is accurate. Both sides are required to provide full financial disclosures. In complex cases, financial experts may review records to confirm income streams and spending patterns.

Judges also watch for sudden spending changes after separation. If expenses rise or fall quickly without a clear reason, that shift may be questioned. Courts focus on the marital lifestyle, not habits that develop after the relationship changes.

Contact Our Lombard, IL Spousal Support Attorney Today

Attorney Robert F. Kramer has over 40 years of legal experience. He is an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer who is known for providing steady guidance and supportive counsel throughout the legal process. If you have questions about how lifestyle may affect your spousal support case, call The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. at 630-785-2400 to schedule your free 30-minute initial consult with an experienced Romeoville, IL spousal maintenance lawyer.