Miscellaneous Factors Affecting Deviation from the Guidelines

a. Martial Misconduct Not a Factor

Contrary to what some clients may wish and others may fear, marital misconduct is expressly excluded as a factor to be considered in setting the amount of support. 750 ILCS 5/505(a). The underlying policy is that neither maintenance nor child support should be used as a vehicle for assessing punitive damages, and the court should not consider any misconduct of either party in determining the amount of such an award. Hatch v. Hatch, 16 Ill.App.3d 228, 305 N.E.2d 198 (1st Dist. 1973)(abst.).

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