High-profile and high-net-worth divorce matters involving substantial income, complex financial structures, and contested parenting issues are my speciality, and wins like these for my clients are what fuel me and my team.
We fought for our client and a court awarded temporary maintenance in excess of $60,000 per month – more than $720,000 per year – while the divorce was pending.
Want to ensure you can maintain your lifestyle even while your divorce drags on? Here’s what you need to know, and you can secure a confidential case evaluation with me by clicking here.
Temporary maintenance is intended to preserve the standard of living established during the marriage until the case is resolved. In high-asset litigation, achieving that result requires more than requesting a number. It requires a disciplined presentation of financial evidence and a careful application of state law.
Income and Financial Structure
In significant cases, the court must clearly understand the income of both parties.
That includes salary, bonuses, business distributions, deferred compensation, and overall cash flow. When one spouse controls a business or multiple income streams, those financial realities must be presented in a thorough and credible manner. Courts rely on documentation, not assumptions.
The Marital Standard of Living
Maintenance is directly tied to how the parties lived during the marriage.
The court examines the residence, education expenses, travel, memberships, staffing, and overall spending patterns. Where the marital lifestyle was substantial, the financial support should try to reflect that level of living while the case proceeds.
The objective at this stage is stability and fairness.
Application of Illinois Law
Illinois provides statutory guidelines for maintenance under Section 504 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/504). And in higher income matters, the judge’s discretion plays a meaningful role.
An effective presentation requires a command of the statutory factors and an understanding of how they apply to unique financial circumstances. The court must see that the requested amount is supported by both the evidence and the law.
Credibility Before the Court
In substantial support hearings, credibility is often decisive.
Financial records must be organized and accurate. Claims of overstated income or inflated expenses must be addressed directly and supported with documentation. Preparation and precision are critical.
High wealth divorce cases require experience, financial fluency, and strategic courtroom advocacy.
When significant income and lifestyle considerations are at issue, careful preparation and a fierce advocate makes the difference – like it did for our client with their $60,000 per month temporary maintenance.
