In the state of Illinois, thousands of couples make the difficult decision to pursue a divorce, each year. While the divorce process can come with unforeseen challenges regardless of the circumstances, the divorce process can be increasingly complex when children are involved. If one parent is awarded primary parental responsibility of a child, the other parent will usually be required to pay some sort of child support. In the state of Illinois, child support payments are calculated through consideration of the income of both parents as well as parenting time and parental responsibilities of both parents. If you believe you are entitled to child support, it is time to speak with a qualified legal professional.

Seeking Child Support

As you navigate the legal process of your divorce, you and your attorney need to work closely. If you are awarded the majority of legal and physical parental responsibilities, you are likely entitled to significant child support payments. As the court calculates a fair child support agreement, speak to your attorney if you believe that the court has miscalculated you or your spouse’s income. The state of Illinois wants to calculate payments in the fairest way possible if financial statements have been falsified by one party, the integrity of the agreement could be compromised. It is also important to notify your attorney if your child has special medical or general care needs that could impact the expenses of raising the child independently. Your attorney will work diligently to advocate on your behalf in court.

Children are the top priority in every divorce case. For this reason, Illinois divorce law offers various options to help parents receive the child support payments they need to provide for their children and allow them to live the high quality of life they deserve.

Although some parents trust their ex-spouse to make direct child support payments, others do not and rely on wage garnishment to collect their payments.

Individuals who may be eligible for alimony or child support tend to assume that they must wait until their divorce is complete to receive any form of financial relief. Thankfully, this is not the case; depending on the circumstances, divorcing parties may be eligible for temporary support. Learn more about the measures that can improve your current financial situation, even if your divorce is still pending, and discover how an experienced divorce lawyer can help.

Temporary Child Support

If you have a pending divorce or child support case in the state of Illinois, you may have already heard the news: Child support, which was once calculated using a percentage-based formula in Illinois, is now being configured using an income-shares model. What does all this terminology mean, and how might it affect the outcome of your family law case? Learn the answers to these questions, and discover what an experienced family law attorney can do for you in your child support case or divorce, with help from the following information.

How the New Income-Shares Model Works

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was rewritten last year and became effective January 1, 2016. Less than a year later, more changes are already on their way, intended to "clean up" the Act. 

Although not effective yet, stay tuned for the following changes: