Chicago Child Support Attorneys

Chicago Child Support Attorneys

When the parents of shared children are not together, the matter of how they will both continue to support their children financially becomes an issue. The State of Illinois addresses this with child support payments made by one parent to the other. The amount of child support and who pays it is predicated on each parent’s income and the number of overnights each parent is awarded with the children. If you are facing a legal issue related to child support, turn to an experienced Chicago child support attorney for the legal guidance you’re looking for. 

When Child Support Plays a Role

While child support is generally a primary term of any divorce or paternity action that involves children, there are other important applications, including:

• Child support modifications based on substantial changes post-divorce
• Child support payments – upon the breakup of a couple – for children who are born outside of marriage 

The State’s Stance

The State of Illinois holds both parents responsible for supporting their children financially in relation to their ability to do so. This means that, although a wide range of factors can play a role, the higher earner is very likely to have the child support obligation. This is true even if the number of overnights with the children (as designated by the parenting time schedule) is equal – or close to equal – to the other parent’s number of overnights. Child support in Illinois lasts until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school. If the child has not graduated from high school prior to his or her 19th birthday, however, the child support obligation is likely to end upon the child’s 19th birthday.

Factors that Affect Child Support

The factors that Illinois courts take into consideration when making child support determinations include the following:

• Each parent’s income
• Each child’s personal and developmental health (both physical and mental) and education requirements (including those related to any special needs)
• The financial needs of the parent who receives child support
• Each parent’s financial ability to support his or her children
• The standard of living the children would have enjoyed had the parents remained married.

The Basic Child Support Guidelines

While Illinois courts have the discretion to deviate from the following guidelines, basic child support calculations are the income shares model.

Speak with an Experienced Chicago Child Support Attorney Today

The dedicated Chicago child support attorneys at WARD FAMILY LAW are well prepared to knowledgeably advocate for child support terms that support your rights. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.