Do I Have to Keep Supporting My Spouse's Parents After We Divorce?

 Posted on February 09, 2026 in Spousal Support

It’s common for adult children and their spouses to help support their parents financially in their old age, especially if something like medical expenses have drained the parent’s retirement fund. If you have been financially supporting your in-laws during your marriage, you may want to know whether you will still have to after your divorce is finalized.

The good news for anyone going through a divorce in 2026 is that Illinois law does not require you to continue supporting your former in-laws. If you have concerns about financial obligations related to your divorce, a Kendall County divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Who Do I Have to Financially Support After My Divorce?

Under 750 ILCS 5/504, Illinois courts can only order financial support between the two people who were married to each other. This means you may pay spousal maintenance to your ex-spouse or child support for your children. 

The law does not extend these requirements to anyone else, including your former in-laws. It does not matter if you helped pay for your mother-in-law's medical bills or chose to send money to your father-in-law during your marriage. The court cannot force you to continue this support after divorce.

Can My Spouse Include Support for Their Parents in Our Divorce Settlement?

Your spouse cannot force you to pay their parents directly as part of your divorce settlement. However, If your spouse gets spousal maintenance from you, they can choose to use that money however they want. This includes giving some to their parents.

Some couples try to work out informal agreements where they continue helping the in-laws. These agreements are completely voluntary. If you agree to keep helping your former in-laws, remember that it is your choice and not a legal requirement. You should also think carefully about whether you can afford to help long-term. Consider these factors:

• Your own financial needs and ability to meet them
• Any spousal maintenance you may owe or receive
• Whether you will be making child support payments 
• Your own retirement savings and financial future

What If My In-Laws Live With Us?

Illinois law does not require you to allow your in-laws to stay in the house just because they were living there before the divorce. The situation can get complicated, though, depending on who owns the home and how property gets divided in the divorce.

If you own the house and your spouse moves out, you generally have the right to decide who lives there. If your spouse gets the house in the divorce settlement, they can choose if their parents stay.

What If I Co-Signed a Loan or Lease for My In-Laws?

Debt and payments you took on during your marriage don’t simply disappear after divorce. If you co-signed a loan, credit card, or lease agreement with or for your in-laws, you remain legally responsible for that specific debt.

This is different from a general agreement to support your in-laws. When you co-sign, you are promising the lender or landlord that you will pay if the primary borrower does not. That stays in effect until the loan is paid off or refinanced with your name no longer on it.

If you are worried about debts connected to your in-laws, discuss them with your divorce attorney. They can help you understand which things you can walk away from and which remain your responsibility.

Call a Plainfield, IL Divorce Lawyer Today

Understanding your financial obligations after divorce is very important. You deserve clear answers about what you must pay and what you can choose to stop paying. A Kendall County spousal support attorney at The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. can help. 

Our divorce attorneys have over 40 years of experience guiding clients through complex divorce situations. We are accomplished trial and appellate lawyers who will support you fully through the process. Contact The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. at 630-785-2400 today for a free 30-minute initial consultation.