An Illinois divorce lawyer can help you understand how alimony is determined and if you may be eligible to get spousal support because of your divorce. While the short answer is that a spouse's bad behavior doesn't affect alimony – there are exceptions.Illinois' move to nofault divorce laws means adultery no longer directly impacts alimony decisions or divorce outcomes. Illinois law actually forbids stepping out on your spouse and labels the act a misdemeanor that could lead to fines and a year in jail. Spousal maintenance is not automatically granted in Illinois divorce cases, and it will typically only be awarded if a spouse can demonstrate a financial need. Adultery is still technically illegal in Illinois. However, criminal charges for cheating aren't really pursued anymore. In the United States, adultery won't and can't affect alimony. State laws prescribe when a spouse is eligible for alimony. If your divorce involves infidelity, rely on our St. Charles divorce lawyers for knowledgeable and empathetic legal guidance.