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Child Support Lawyer Chicago

Child Support Lawyer Chicago

Every parent has an obligation to support their children. Support can come in many forms, from emotional support and encouragement to providing the day-to-day necessities of life. While the law cannot force individuals to be loving parents, it can and does make parents kick in their share of the financial costs it takes to raise a child. 

If you’re divorcing in Illinois and have children, or if you are involved in a paternity action, it is important to know the basics of child support. Once you have a broad understanding of the applicable law, you can be better equipped to explain your case to a child support lawyer in Chicago and get the legal assistance you need. 

Child Support Rooted in Needs of Children, Resources of Parents

At its base level, child support is meant to provide the funds for the things every child needs – food, clothing, and a roof over their head. In some cases, a court will order supplemental support to pay for the expenses of raising a child beyond basic necessities. 

So, who pays child support? In Illinois, child support is set based on the financial situation of the parents, the needs of the children, and other factors, like the amount of time the child spends with each parent in custody arrangements. Given the right circumstances, either parent may have to pay child support regardless of custody arrangements. 

How is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, the amount of child support is typically determined by a formula that takes into account the payer’s net income, which is essentially what that parent makes after taxes, health insurance premiums, and certain other obligations. An experienced child support lawyer in Chicago can help you determine how these calculations will apply to your circumstances.

Parents can set an amount of child support that does not conform to the formula by reaching a negotiated agreement, but the court has to approve any such agreement and generally will not do so if the amount falls below that set by the formula. 

The percentage of net income that must be devoted to child support continues to increase progressively based on the number of children. Child support obligations expire on the child’s 18th birthday or upon their graduation from high school, whichever occurs later. 

Until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, the only way the amount stated in the original child support order can be changed is by seeking a modification through the court. Parents can agree to a modification amount if the court approves of it, but if there is no agreement, the court will only modify a child support order if the parent requesting the change can prove that circumstances have changed substantially. 

Contact an Illinois Child Support Lawyer to Build Your Case

While the Illinois method for setting child support may seem formulaic, the court can only set child support based on the information provided to it. Therefore, a complete and accurate picture of both parents’ financial status must be presented. For instance, if either party attempts to hide assets or income, the court may never know about it if all the facts are not uncovered and presented properly. 

When it comes to child support, you need a strong legal advocate by your side to ensure you get a fair shake in court. Talk to a knowledgeable child support lawyer in Chicago today by contacting Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC

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Call or email Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC today to schedule a consultation.