Child support can be one of the most important financial issues parents face when living separately. Our DuPage County family law attorneys help parents understand Illinois child support guidelines, establish appropriate support orders, and address changes or disputes involving existing support.
Illinois uses an income-sharing model to calculate child support. The calculation generally considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children involved, and the parenting agreement.
However, determining child support may involve more than simply entering income into a formula.
Questions about bonuses, self-employment income, parenting time, health insurance, childcare, and other child-related expenses can affect each parent’s overall financial responsibilities.
A substantial increase or decrease in a parent’s income may affect existing support.
Employment change may create a reason to review support.
Changes to the parenting arrangement may affect how support should be calculated.
Starting or ending daycare or other childcare can affect child-related expenses.
Insurance premiums or other medical expenses may change over time.
Educational, medical, developmental, or other needs may create additional expenses.
When parents separate, divorce, or establish parentage, they may need a child support order. We review financial information and parents’ arrangements to determine the appropriate support obligation.
If circumstances change substantially, either parent may seek to modify an existing order. Until the court approves a modification, parents should generally continue following the existing order.
When court-ordered support is not being paid, enforcement may be necessary. Depending on the circumstances, several legal mechanisms may be available to address unpaid support.
