Lombard Child Support Attorney

Lombard Child Support Attorney

Child support is one of the most critical issues in a divorce or when two parents are no longer in a relationship or living together. However, the status of the relationship between the two parents shouldn’t impact the financial support of their offspring. Understandably, it can be difficult to negotiate agreements that work for both parents and are in the child’s best interest. However, a well-versed Lombard child support attorney can help you as you face this task.

Calculating Child Support in Illinois

Previously, child support in Illinois was calculated using a set amount of parental income and the number of children they had. Since 2019, Illinois has subscribed to the income shares model when it comes to calculating child support. This approach considers the parents’ incomes, the number of children they each have, and the current and local cost of living. The income shares model further standardizes child support and makes it reasonable because it is based on the specific situation. 

A simple way to estimate child support is to:

1. Add each parents’ monthly net income together after using the Illinois standardized income conversion chart to determine net income.
2. Take the current total basic support obligation (currently $1,215 per month per child) and multiply it by the number of children.
3. Add any extra expenses to this number such as:

• Insurance premiums
• Extracurricular activities and expenses
• Childcare costs

1. Divide each parent’s adjusted net income by the combined net income to determine their percentage of contribution.
2. Multiply each parent’s percentage by the total support obligation to get the sum each parent is expected to pay for child support.

The child support analysis does not end there; it is more complex.  The final payment of child support, if any, will also depend on the amount of time each parents has parenting time with the child or children.  Keep in mind that there may be other factors that can impact child support. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with an experienced Lombard child support attorney.

Can Child Support be Modified?

Court-ordered child support is intended to be permanent. However, courts understand that life doesn’t stay the same. One parent might have more children, obtain or lose employment, or get a raise. When these life circumstances occur and can substantially change how much child support one parent pays or receives, the courts allow either parent to file a petition for a post-decree modification. 

If you think there are circumstances in your life that might warrant such a petition, reach out to a knowledgeable Lombard child support lawyer at the Goodman Law Firm for help. We can assist you in determining if you need to file a petition and what your new child support payments should be.

Contact a Lombard Child Support Attorney for Help

If you have children and are going through a divorce or otherwise aren’t living with your child’s other parent, child support is likely one of the issues you worry about the most. Whether you are on the paying or receiving end, it’s critical to ensure that the calculations are done correctly so that your child can get the financial support they need and deserve. A compassionate Lombard child support lawyer can help with this difficult issue. Simply contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out more about our services.