Although the determination of child support in Illinois is governed by the application of defined statutory percentages used by the courts in setting “guideline child support” orders, we understand that a careful analysis of the facts is critical to properly assessing child support.
Determining child support demands planning, discussing the particular needs and circumstances of the child, and careful review of relevant financial documentation. Certain circumstances, including the amount of time that each parent spends with the children, the financial circumstances of the parties, and the unique and special needs of each child, may warrant the entry of a support order that is considered a deviation from statutory guidelines.
While all of these factors are important and must be taken into consideration, we understand that the ultimate goal is making sure that your children are financially supported. At Hurst, Kay, Allen & Stambler, LLC, we use our knowledge and experience to protect the financial welfare of both our clients and their children.
Making Modifications To Existing Child Support Orders
More often than not, child support issues do not end with the divorce. Life events such as the loss of employment, new employment or changes in salary create situations where child support must be modified, temporarily abated or terminated. We can help with this situation and assist clients who are not receiving child support from their ex-spouse, are not receiving their child support on time, are receiving the incorrect amount of support, or are overpaying support because their child support payments were not properly calculated.
Talk With Us Today
If you need assistance with any matter pertaining to child support, the attorneys at Hurst, Kay, Allen & Stambler, LLC, can help, please contact us to arrange for a consultation. Call our Chicago or Lake Forest office at 312-782-2400.
Types of Child Support Cases We Handle in Chicago
Child support matters in Illinois are more varied than many people expect. Whether you are establishing an order for the first time or dealing with a significant change in circumstances, a Chicago child support attorney can help you understand where you stand legally.
- Establishing a Child Support Order — When parents separate or divorce, a formal child support order sets the financial obligations of each party. Illinois uses an income shares model, meaning both parents’ incomes are factored into the calculation, along with the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
- Modifying an Existing Support Order — Life circumstances change, and a support order that made sense two years ago may no longer reflect current reality. A substantial change in income, employment status, or parenting time can serve as grounds to request a modification through the court.
- Enforcing a Child Support Order — When a parent fails to make court-ordered payments, legal tools are available to compel compliance. These include wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings.
- Retroactive Child Support — In some cases, a parent may be entitled to support dating back to the time of separation or the child’s birth. Illinois courts have discretion in awarding retroactive support, and the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of the case.
- Child Support for College Expenses — Illinois is one of a limited number of states where courts can order parents to contribute to a child’s college education costs. These orders are separate from standard child support and involve their own set of legal standards.
- Medical and Healthcare Support — Beyond basic monthly support, Illinois courts can require one or both parents to maintain health insurance for the child and share in uninsured medical expenses. Disputes over medical costs are a common source of post-divorce conflict.
- Child Support in Paternity Cases — When parents were never married, child support cannot be ordered until paternity is legally established. Once that step is complete, the same state guidelines apply regardless of the parents’ relationship history.
- Interstate Child Support Cases — When one parent lives outside Illinois, enforcing or modifying a support order becomes more involved. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) provides the legal framework for handling these cross-border situations.
- Termination of Child Support — In Illinois, child support generally ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, support may continue longer in cases involving a child with a disability or ongoing educational obligations.
- Support Arrears and Back Payment — When a parent falls behind on payments, arrears can accumulate quickly and carry serious financial and legal consequences. Addressing unpaid support promptly, whether you owe it or are owed it, is important for both parties.
According to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois collected over $1.3 billion in child support payments in a recent fiscal year, reflecting how significant these obligations are across the state.
Child support matters are often connected to broader custody arrangements, so understanding how parenting time affects calculations is worth exploring. A Chicago child support lawyer can walk you through how Illinois guidelines apply to your specific situation. If your circumstances have changed or you need help enforcing or establishing an order, contact Hurst, Kay, Allen & Stambler, LLC to discuss your case and learn what steps make sense for you.
