Child Support

Child Support is the amount of money a parent is required by law, to pay to the spouse who retains primary physical custody of the child. Child Support can be awarded and enforced until a child reaches the age of majority or when a variety of other circumstances arise. Child support is intended for the benefit of the child, and usually pays for food, shelter, clothing, health and medical expenses, and educational expenses. Either party can be required to pay child support, regardless of whether they are married or not. If there is a dispute about who the father is, a paternity test can be ordered. By law, step-parents are not obligated to pay child support unless that parent legally adopted the child.

Once child support has been awarded, it can be modified if warranted by the specific situation. Usually modifications require a “change in circumstances”. This may include a job change of either party that increases or decreases income levels, child custody or visitation changes, temporary medical or economic hardship of the paying spouse (unemployment), a medical emergency of a child, and a change in the child’s needs of school or daycare.

Our firm is equipped with the latest software technology to determine what amount of a parent’s net income, percentages set by the Illinois Law based on the number of children, will possibly be awarded. If Child Support payments are not being made to the awarded parent, there are ways to enforce the award. If you have any questions, or would like more information on any of the issues mentioned, please contact our office at (847) 428-7725 or email .