Child Support Lawyers Downers Grove

Child Support Lawyers Downers Grove

All parents have a legal and ethical obligation to provide financial support to their children at least until they turn eighteen or until they graduate from high school.  Many parents offer financial support through college and graduate school.  If a child has a disability, the financial obligation to support your child may continue well into adulthood.  When your relationship with your child’s other parent ends, your obligation to support your children remains.   Whether you are going through a divorce, were never married to your child’s other parent, or need to make changes in child support, our skilled child support lawyers in Downers Grove are here to help. 

How is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?

Prior to 2017, Illinois used a percentage-based formula to calculate child support. Now they use an income shares model. This model takes into account both parents’ incomes and is based on the belief that both parents should be responsible for the financial obligations to their children. It also considers how much the parents would have spent had they remained in a relationship with shared finances. 

Family court judges are required to start by using the state’s approved method of calculation. Then, depending on the family’s circumstances, they can deviate from that formula to adequately address the child’s financial needs. Factors they might consider include the:

• Child’s probable standard of living if their parents had stayed together
• Child’s physical and emotional condition
• Child’s educational needs, and
• Financial needs and resources of the child and each parent

In some cases, the judge can also consider certain expenses such as private school tuition, health care expenses, daycare, and extracurricular activities when determining child support payments. A judge will also take into account that a parent who makes a significant income will be able to pay more. In contrast, a parent who makes little won’t be able to pay as much. Anytime the judge deviates from the state-mandated guidelines, they must explain in writing why they did so. If there are other factors you believe should be considered in your specific set of circumstances, be sure to check with your child support attorneys in Downers Grove.

Can Child Support Orders be Changed?

Parents can pursue a support order modification. However, they must show the court there is a significant change in circumstances since the last order was issued, or they must prove that:

• There is a difference of at least 20 percent but not less than $10 per month between the current order and a new amount using the state guidelines.
• That there is a need to pay for for the child’s health care needs through insurance or other ways

In Illinois, child support obligations end when the child turns 18. If the child is still going to high school full-time, the obligation ends when they turn 19 or graduate from high school, whichever occurs first. If the child is disabled and won’t be able to support themselves, it may continue after that time. In some cases, parents may have an obligation to help pay for college expenses, even when their child is over 18 or 19.

Contact Child Support Lawyers in Downers Grove for Help Today

Child support can be a highly contentious issue between two parents who are trying to raise a child without living together. It can also be confusing and overwhelming. Having the expertise and support of experienced child support lawyers can make this experience much less stressful for you. Contact us today to receive your child support case consultation with experienced child support attorneys in Downers Grove.