How does Illinois Child Support work when parents have split custody?

In Illinois, child support calculations are guided by a structured set of guidelines intended to ensure that children’s financial needs are met equitably. When parents have split custody, meaning they share nearly equal parenting time, the approach to child support is adjusted to reflect this unique arrangement. Understanding Split Custody Split custody occurs when both

How is Allotted Parenting Time Determined with Child Support in Illinois?

In Illinois, determining parenting time, also known as visitation, is a crucial aspect of establishing child support. The process aims to ensure that both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life while also sharing financial responsibilities proportionately. Creating a Parenting Plan Initially, parents are encouraged to collaborate and create a parenting plan that outlines

What to do If My Illinois Child Support Case Needs Deviation?

“In any action to establish or modify child support, whether pursuant to a temporary or final administrative or court order, the child support guidelines shall be used as a rebuttable presumption for the establishment or modification of the amount of child support. The court may deviate from the child support guidelines if the application would

Does Maintenance Impact Illinois Child Support Payments?

In Illinois, maintenance (formerly known as alimony) plays a significant role in determining child support payments. The interplay between maintenance and child support ensures that financial responsibilities are fairly distributed between both parents, reflecting their true financial capacities. Understanding Maintenance Maintenance is financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other following a divorce. Its

How Are Additional Child Care Expenses Divided in Illinois Child Support Calculations?

“The court, in its discretion, in addition to the basic child support obligation, may order either or both parents owing a duty of support to the child to contribute to the reasonable child care expenses of the child. The child care expenses shall be made payable directly to a party or directly to the child

What if I Make No Income or It Can’t be Determined for an Illinois Child Support Calculation?

In situations where a parent has no income or their income cannot be determined, calculating child support in Illinois can be diffcule. The state’s child support guidelines aim to ensure that children receive financial support regardless of the parent’s financial circumstances. Here’s how Illinois handles such scenarios: “If the net income cannot be determined because

What Steps Do I Follow When My Income Changes for Illinois Child Support Calculations?

When your income changes in Illinois, it is crucial to address the impact on your child support obligations promptly and accurately. Following the proper steps ensures that your child support payments remain fair and reflective of your current financial situation Step One – Assess the Change in Income The first step is to thoroughly assess

How will Quitting or Losing a Job Impact Illinois Child Support Calculations?

“If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, child support shall be calculated based on a determination of potential income.” 750 ILCS § 5/505 (a)(3.2a) Losing a job or voluntarily quitting can significantly impact child support calculations in Illinois. The state’s child support guidelines are designed to ensure that children’s financial needs are met, regardless

How does Business Income Impact Illinois Child Support Calculations?

“For purposes of calculating child support, net business income from the operation of a business means gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to carry on the trade or business.” 750 ILCS § 5/505 (a)(3.1) In Illinois, business income is used to calculate child support. The determination of business income is discretionary by the