Child support payments help ensure children receive the financial support they need. However, certain situations may lead a parent to seek a reduction in their child support payments in Illinois. What qualifies as a change in circumstances? Illinois law allows child...
Child Support And Maintenance
What should child support help cover?
Child support is one of the most contentious areas of child custody, but it serves an important purpose. It’s the way that the court can ensure that one parent isn’t bearing the sole burden of financial matters for the children. It’s designed to ensure that a child’s...
Protecting your child’s interests: Child support representation
Raising a child takes time, energy, and resources. When parents separate, child support ensures both sides contribute fairly to their child’s needs. If you want the best outcome for your child, it helps to understand how child support works and what your role can be...
How does Illinois determine maintenance amounts?
Alimony, also called spousal maintenance, is financial support one spouse may pay to the other after divorce. In Illinois, courts use a formula and several factors to decide the amount and duration of payments. Understanding these guidelines can help you know what to...
What factors influence child support amounts?
Child support in Illinois follows specific guidelines, but several factors can affect the final amount. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate potential obligations or modifications. Income of both parents Illinois uses an "income shares" model to...
How does shared custody affect child support?
Shared custody can change how child support is calculated. Unlike sole custody, where one parent usually pays support to the other, shared custody involves both parents spending significant time with the child. This arrangement can impact payment amounts and...
Tips for addressing child support disputes
Child support plays a crucial role in meeting children’s financial needs after a separation or divorce. However, disputes over child support such as missed payments, can arise, causing emotional stress for both parents while affecting the well-being of the child....
What to consider before agreeing to a child support amount
Child support is an important part of ensuring your child's well-being after a divorce. It is crucial to carefully consider several factors before agreeing to a child support amount. Making informed decisions can help provide stability for your child and avoid...
How does remarriage impact child support obligations in Illinois?
Remarriage can bring significant changes to a family's financial situation. In Illinois, it is common for parents to wonder if remarriage will affect child support obligations. Understanding how state law views remarriage in relation to child support can help parents...
What are the minimum child support requirements in Illinois?
When determining child support, the state follows a specific set of guidelines outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. These guidelines ensure that children receive adequate financial support. While there is not a fixed minimum child support...