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 parents share parenting time and responsibilities roughly equally. This typically means that each parent has the child for at least 40% of the time. This arrangement aims to allow both parents to play significant roles in their child’s upbringing, providing a balanced environment.
Calculating Child Support in Split Custody
When calculating child support in split custody situations, Illinois uses a method that considers the combined net incomes of both parents and the shared nature of the parenting arrangement. Here’s how the
process works:
- Determine Combined Net Income
The first step is to calculate the combined net income of both parents. Net income is the income remaining after necessary deductions such as taxes, Social Security, and health insurance premiums. - Basic Child Support Obligation
Using the combined net income, the court refers to the Illinois Child Support Guidelines to determine the basic child support obligation. This is the total amount necessary to support the child based on the parents’ combined financial resources. - Proportionate Share
Each parent’s share of the basic child support obligation is calculated based on their proportion of the combined net income. For instance, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they are responsible for 60% of the basic child support obligation. - Parenting Time Adjustment
Because split custody means both parents have significant parenting time, the court makes adjustments to reflect this. The child support obligation for each parent is adjusted to account for the time the child spends with each parent. This ensures that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s expenses based on their actual parenting time. The “146 night rule” contributes to this by acting as a benchmark for shared parenting time, one parent will have 145 overnights per year while the other has 146. The rule triggers a different child support calculation, reducing the amount paid by the parents with more overnights.
In Illinois, child support calculations for split custody situations are designed to be fair and reflective of the shared parenting arrangement. By considering the combined net incomes of both parents and adjusting for the time the child spends with each parent, the state ensures that financial responsibilities are equitably distributed. This approach supports the best interests of the child, providing a balanced and supportive environment from both parents. If you need help with pursuing or defending your Illinois child support lawsuit please click the link below contact our Chicago office and speak with one of our experienced family law attorneys https://jacobsonlegalservices.com/!
