Schaumburg, IL Child Support Attorneys

Cook County Lawyer for Child Support Orders

When you have children and are seeking a divorce, there are many issues that must be handled properly. Anderson Attorneys, P.C. is a full-service family law firm focused on creating equitable, enforceable legal solutions for tough family issues. We have in-depth experience with resolving child custody and child support matters professionally.

Illinois Law Regarding Child Support

The child support laws in Illinois are centered around an income sharing model that is designed to meet the best interests of the child in each unique case. Using the state's child support guidelines, courts will determine an amount that parents would be expected to pay to address their children's needs if they were married. This amount is based on the combined income earned by both parents and the number of children. The child support obligation determine using this method will be divided proportionately between the parents based on each parent's income level. For example, if one parent earns 65 percent of the couple's combined income, they will be responsible for 65 percent of the total child support obligation. In some cases, such as those where parents have equal amounts of parenting time, further calculations may be necessary to address the shared costs of raising children in two homes.

In most cases, the parent who has the minority of the parenting time will pay child support to the other parent. In addition to the basic child support obligation described above, parents may also divide other child-related expenses, including those related to medical care, employment-related child care, education, and extracurricular activities.

Enforcing Child Support

If a parent fails to pay child support or is late with payments, we can help you enforce the court order and receive the child support payments that are necessary to address your children's daily expenses. Failure to pay child support can result in severe consequences, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even jail time. The penalty will depend on the situation, but failure to comply with a court order is a serious matter. If you are having difficulty receiving child support payments from your ex-spouse, we can help you find a solution as quickly as possible. Additionally, if you are dealing with interstate support issues, we can help.

Alternatively, if you are a parent who is required to pay child support, and you find yourself unable to make payments due to changes in your income, health problems, or any other reasons, we can help you avoid being punished for unfortunate circumstances by seeking post decree modifications to your child support order. Child support payments may be modified based on certain conditions, including:

• A significant change in the health of the supporting parent or child
• A change in income or employment status for the supporting parent
• A change in the needs of a child

No matter the reason(s), we can initiate a post decree modification or an amendment to a court order and ensure that child support payments are adjusted to the proper amount. Child support is meant to maintain the welfare and well-being of the children involved in a divorce, and we make every effort to ensure that they are protected. We are champions for those who cannot often articulate their needs, and we take pride in being firm, fair, and professional in every family law matter.

If you need assistance with child support issues, contact us at 847-850-8899 to schedule a free consultation. Our firm is located in Schaumburg. We serve clients throughout the Chicago area and beyond.