To find out more about spousal maintenance in Illinois, contact an experienced Chicago alimony attorney today. Initiating and Filing for Alimony.To initiate alimony in Illinois, the petitioning spouse must request it in the petition for dissolution of marriage. Chicago divorce attorney helps with spousal maintenance and support orders in Cook County divorce resolutions. 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. Understand maintenance (formerly alimony) in Chicago divorces. Contact the Chicago maintenance lawyers at (312) 332-2915 today if you need information about alimony and spousal support in Illinois. Contact the Chicago maintenance lawyers at (312) 332-2915 today if you need information about alimony and spousal support in Illinois. In Illinois, there are three types of alimony: temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent. This can be a highly contested issue in a divorce, and you should know your rights.