Lincolnwood Child Support Lawyer
In Illinois, both parents are responsible for providing for a child financially. In the event of a divorce or family break up, the state of Illinois ensures that this is happening by enforcing the “income shares” model of child support. If you need help getting a child support order, enforcing a child support order, modifying a child support order, or understanding your child support obligation, our Lincolnwood child support lawyers at the offices of M. Scott Gordon can help.
Lincolnwood Income Shares Model
In previous years, child support was calculated by looking at the non-custodial parent’s income. Today, the revised law recognizes the “income shares” model of calculating a child support award.
Under the income shares model, both parents’ incomes are considered in calculating an award. Then, the amount that each parent owes is calculated based on the total income of the parents, the number of children, and how much each parent contributes to the total income proportionately.
For example, the child support guidelines in Illinois hold that parents who make a combined adjusted net income of $15,000 per month “owe” a single child $1,811 in child support per month. If the custodial parent earns $5,000 of the $15,000, and the noncustodial the other $10,000, then the noncustodial parent will be responsible for about 66.66 percent of the $1,811, or $1,207 ($10,000 is 66.66 percent of $15,000).
Of course, the specific amount that a parent may owe can be modified based on special circumstances, such as the special needs of a child.
Enforcing and Modifying a Child Custody Order
When a child support order is issued by a court, a parent has a legal obligation to adhere to it. If they do not, action against them may be taken, including holding the delinquent parent in contempt of Court. If you are seeking child support payments, you deserve to receive those payments, and should not hesitate to take action. If you are behind on payments or unable to make payments, it is important that you inform your ex-spouse of this immediately and contact the court to inform them of your situation and seek legal guidance.
If a parent needs to modify a child support order for any reason, they may file a modification request with the court. However, the modification will only be granted if a significant change in circumstances has occurred and can be demonstrated to the court. For example, if a parent loses their job, the court may agree to a modification of a child support order.
Our Lincolnwood Child Support Lawyers Can Help
Child support payments are very important, both for a custodial parent and the child in question. To learn more about how child support payments are calculated in Illinois and why working with a Lincolnwood child support lawyer is so important, please call our lawyers directly today. We understand your situation and are here to help.