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How Much Child Support Should I Get Per Child?

How Much Child Support Should I Get Per Child?

By: Gordon & Perlut, LLC

Parents have a moral duty and a legal obligation to financially support their children. Child support in Illinois helps to ensure that basic needs are met and that your child has access to the material items and resources they need to be happy and successful.

For parents who are divorced or unmarried, a formal child support order issued through the court is the best way to ensure a reasonable amount is paid. The Chicago and Skokie child support attorneys at Gordon & Perlut, LLC can explain how these amounts are factored and how to determine how much child support you should get per child.

Factors That Influence Child Support in Skokie and Chicago

Under the Illinois child support Statutes, parents are required to provide financially for their children. In cases of divorce or in paternity proceedings involving unmarried parents, the court will determine a reasonable amount that should be paid. Factors that influence child support amounts in Skokie include:

  • Each parent’s individual income and assets.
  • The amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home.
  • The child’s individual financial needs.
  • The standard of living the child would have otherwise enjoyed if the parents had not divorced or otherwise continued living together.

In determining the amount of child support payments, the court looks at any gross income either parent receives. This includes:

  • Wages.
  • Bonuses.
  • Commissions.
  • Tips.
  • Other compensation earned on the job.
  • Money that is received regularly through trusts or investments.
  • Profits from businesses and pensions.
  • Retirement funds.
  • Veterans or disability payments.
  • Any other benefits received.

Having no income or working under the table will not prevent a judge from ordering child support payments. An amount may be computed based on the individual’s skill, level of education, and experience, as well as any prior income received.

Estimating Child Support Amounts Per Child

The state of Illinois has clear-cut guidelines for awarding child support payments. The following details the formula that is generally used:

  • Determine each parent’s monthly net income.
  • Add the amount from both parents together.
  • Look up this amount under the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations.
  • Factor in the number of children to determine estimated child support payments.
  • Determine each parent’s prorated share.

The prorated share is based on your income. For example, the basic child support obligation for a couple with one child earning a combined monthly income of $1,500 per month is $325. If one spouse makes $1,000 and the other $500, their prorated shares would be roughly $231 and $107.

Keep in mind that this is a basic amount, and does not account for:

  • Daycare costs.
  • Health insurance.
  • School tuition.
  • Other expenses.

Another way to estimate the amount of child support you should get per child is to use the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services (IHFS) child support estimator.

Our Chicago and Skokie Child Support Attorneys Protect Your Rights

At Gordon & Perlut, LLC., we protect your rights when it comes to child support and ensuring any court-ordered amounts are paid. To discuss your particular case, contact our Skokie child support attorneys and request a consultation today.