Child support is sometimes viewed negatively, but the truth is that it’s important for providing a supportive home to a child. When one parent out-earns the other, child support can be a way to boost the quality of the child’s living environment with a lesser-earning parent. It’s also a payment that shows that the parent who does not have primary custody is focused on providing stability for their child.
Children in Illinois have a right to support from both parents. A noncustodial parent has to pay support to the custodial parent. The way that the state comes up with the amount owed can be complex, with many factors being considered. Some factors that play a role in determining the amount of child support to be paid include:
- How often the child stays with each parent
- Each parent’s income
- The child’s health
in Illinois sets the minimum that a parent will owe based on the income shares model. This model considers how many nights the child stays overnight with each parent. When a child is with one parent at least 146 nights per year, the basic support obligation is multiplied by 1.5.
Is there any time that child support obligations could end?
Yes. If a parent gives up their parental rights, as an example, then they may no longer have to pay support. Some instances that may disqualify a child from receiving support include:
- Getting married
- Moving out on their own to remain independent
- Joining the military
- Getting a job and not needing parental support (financially)
If you have questions about child support, your attorney can talk to you more and give you the information you need.