Passionate Child Support Attorneys Serving Parents in Illinois
As with the processes of divorce and legal separation, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act also governs child support payments. The court may order a parent owing a duty to support to pay an amount reasonable and necessary for support as determined by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ Child Support Division. This duty of support owed to a child includes the obligation to provide for the child’s reasonable and necessary physical, mental and emotional health needs. The court uses a set of guidelines established by IDHFS based on the income of the parties, the number of children and the number of overnights spent with each parent (unless the best interest of the child dictates otherwise). These guidelines are set forth in Chapter 750 ILCS 5/505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
In addition to the payment of child support, the court also has the discretion to order the paying parent to contribute to additional expenses for healthcare insurance, health needs not covered by insurance, child care, education, and extracurricular activities. Child support payments are typically required until a child is emancipated. This is usually the latter of when the child attains the age of 18 or graduates from high school. At Beck & Houlihan, P.C., we assist families in many areas of family law, including child support. Our attorneys understand the importance of family and the concerns people have when going through a difficult process like divorce.
Child Support Modifications
Circumstances of employment, income, and parenting plans often change, which may warrant an adjustment to child support payments. An order for child support may be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances or a very specific inconsistency between the amount of the existing child support and the amount that should be calculated under child support guidelines provided by state law. It is important to note that, even if both parents can agree on these necessary changes, the court must still approve this agreement in order for it to be enforceable. If a voluntary agreement is lacking, the parent (and their attorney) seeking the changes must file a motion for modification of child support.
The attorneys at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., understand that circumstances change and that sometimes your children have unforeseeable financial needs. When this happens, it can affect both parties, such that you need to obtain a modification to get through these circumstances. Our attorneys are well versed in handling these situations and have represented many clients regarding initially obtaining child support, addressing non-payment of child support, and modifying child support payments. If a resolution cannot be reached outside of the courtroom, we will pursue the matter on your behalf in court.
Contact Our Wheaton Child Support Lawyers Today
Contact Beck & Houlihan, P.C., at 630-398-3185 to learn more about our family law services and let us know how we can help you with these concerns. Our lawyers serve clients in DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.