Kane County Child Support Attorney

Experienced Lawyers for Child Support in Illinois

In Illinois, child support is a financial obligation that applies to divorced or separated parents, requiring them to provide financially for their children. Illinois courts determine the amount of child support by weighing various factors, such as the income of both parents, the number of children, and the parenting time each parent has with the child. If you are a parent going through a divorce, you likely have many questions and concerns regarding what the divorce will mean for you, your child, and your future. Fortunately, a child support attorney can provide legal guidance to help you navigate this potentially overwhelming and nerve-wracking process. By working with an experienced lawyer, you gain a full understanding of what the process entails while also ensuring that each decision will be in the best interests of yourself and your child.

At Fawell & Fawell, our Kane County child support lawyer is well-attuned to the many considerations that affect child support in Illinois family law cases. We understand how traumatic divorce can be for everyone involved, especially children. We also know that it is essential for children to be supported financially once the divorce has been finalized. Our goal is to help you find solutions that will provide for your children's needs while protecting your own financial security

How Is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?

In Illinois, child support is determined using the "Income Shares Model." State laws provide guidelines for calculating the amount of child support obligations based on both parents' net incomes and the number of children that need to be financially supported. Other factors, including childcare expenses, health insurance costs, and educational expenses, may also be considered in the amount of child support to be paid.

To start the process, each parent's net income is calculated by subtracting taxes, Social Security payments, mandatory retirement contributions, and other deductions from their gross income. These figures are then added together to determine the combined net income of both parents. The combined income is then used to determine the base child support obligation according to figures provided by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services that detail how much a married couple at the same income level would typically spend to provide for their children's needs. The amount of child support determined using these figures will be split between the parents according to the amount of income each parent earns.

If each parent will have parenting time with a child for 146 or more overnights per year, it is considered shared parenting, and the base child support obligation will be adjusted by taking each parent's percentage of overnight stays into account. The total child support obligation will include a parent's percentage of the base obligation, as well as a percentage of any additional expenses.

What Happens if Financial Circumstances Change for Me or My Ex-Spouse?

Child support modifications are possible if a substantial change in circumstances takes place. Examples of significant changes may include an increase or decrease in the income of either parent, a job loss, or a change in the child's needs. Illinois law requires that these modifications be sought through the court, which may then review the child support order to determine if a modification is necessary. Until modifications are approved by the court, existing child support orders must be followed, and a parent will be required to pay all amounts that are owed.

Contact Our Kane County Child Support Attorney

Child-related matters tend to be some of the most contentious issues in any divorce. To ensure that you are able to protect your rights and the best interests of your child, be sure to work with a skilled family law attorney. At Fawell & Fawell, our child support lawyer is committed to safeguarding the rights of all our clients as they move through the delicate process of figuring out child support arrangements. For skilled legal counsel, contact us at 630-871-2400 for a free consultation.