Spousal support cases are started with a spousal support petition in Family Court. There is no filing fee in Family Court.Divorce lawyer in Cook County helping with alimony or spousal support concerns. Decline spousal support to keep the peace and prevent more comments on how I didn't work, cook, and clean. In a New York divorce, spousal support is called "maintenance". Pending a divorce, a spouse can be made via agreement or via order of the Court, to pay alimony to the other spouse. As with all legal questions, the answer depends on where you live and the exact circumstances. Maintenance of Spousal Support - We used to call spousal support or maintenance "alimony. Alimony Laws in IL determine spousal support based on marriage length, income disparity, and ability to be self-sufficient. Husband had the ability to pay spousal support.