Child Support Attorney For Central Illinois Parents
When you’re going through a divorce or resolving parenting arrangements, child support is one of the first practical questions raised. It establishes how both parents will financially support their child moving forward.
If you’re wondering what you’ll pay, what you’ll receive, or how Illinois calculates child support, Angela will help you understand the process, your rights, and what to expect.
Child Support Is Separate From Maintenance (Alimony)
People often use the terms interchangeably, but child support and maintenance, also referred to as alimony, are two completely separate parts of a divorce. The easiest way to think about it is this: child support is for your children, and maintenance is for a former spouse. They have different purposes, different legal standards, and separate calculations under Illinois law.
Child Support
Child support is money paid to help cover your child’s everyday needs. Both parents are expected to contribute financially to raising the child, even after separation or divorce.
Maintenance (Alimony)
Maintenance is financial support paid from one former spouse to the other. Its purpose is to help a spouse become financially stable after the marriage ends, not to provide for the children.
What Happens When Child Support Needs to Change
A job loss, a significant increase or decrease in income, or a change to your parenting time schedule may mean your existing child support order no longer reflects your family’s circumstances.
Illinois law allows child support to be modified when something significant has changed, like your income level, employment status, or parenting schedule.
If your situation has changed, submit your request for a confidential consultation to talk through whether a modification makes sense with Angela.
How Child Support Gets Calculated in Illinois
“How much will child support be?” It’s one of the first questions parents ask Angela, but there isn’t one number that applies to every family.
Illinois calculates child support based on both parents’ incomes, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and certain child-related expenses, like health insurance and childcare costs.
Angela walks you through how the calculation works for your specific situation before anything is filed.
Parenting Time Affects the Number
The amount your child spends with each parent factors into the child support calculation. When parenting time changes, the numbers can too.
While parenting time can affect the child support number, parenting schedules should reflect what’s actually best for your child. Once that’s established, child support follows from it. Angela helps you see how these two issues connect before you’re in the middle of them.
Interested in learning more about parenting time and visitation?
What Child Support Cases Cost and How Long They Take
Every child support matter is different. Some parents are able to reach agreements quickly, while others need the court’s help resolving disputes over parenting time, income, or modifications. The timeline depends on how much information needs to be gathered, whether both parents can reach agreements, and the court’s schedule.
Angela’s office bills in 6-minute increments, so you’re only charged for the time spent working on your case. You’ll also receive itemized invoices every two weeks, so you always know what work has been done and what it cost.
What If the Other Parent Isn't Paying Child Support?
When court-ordered child support isn’t being paid, you have options. Illinois provides several ways to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment and, in some cases, asking the court to hold the other parent in contempt.
If you’re dealing with unpaid child support, Angela can walk you through your enforcement options and what to realistically expect from each one.
Child Support FAQs
Does my income matter if I'm the one with the kids most of the time?
Yes. Illinois considers both parents’ incomes when calculating child support, regardless of which parent has the majority of parenting time. Parenting time is one factor in the calculation, but it isn’t the only one.
Can child support be changed after the divorce is final?
Yes. If there’s been a substantial change in circumstances such as a change in income, employment, or parenting time, you may be able to request a modification of your child support order.
As a father, am I at a disadvantage when it comes to child support?
No. Illinois law applies the same child support guidelines regardless of whether you’re the mother or the father. The calculation is based on factors like income and parenting time, not which parent you are.
Is child support taxable?
Questions about whether child support is taxable are best answered by a CPA or tax professional. While Angela can advise you on Illinois family law, tax guidance falls outside the scope of legal representation.
Does child support count as income?
Whether child support counts as income for tax or financial purposes depends on the specific situation. For questions about taxes or reporting income, Angela recommends speaking with a qualified CPA.
How long does child support last in Illinois?
In most cases, child support continues until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Generally, child support lasts no later than the child’s 19th birthday. There are limited exceptions, such as when an adult child has certain disabilities or when the court orders contributions toward post-secondary educational expenses.
How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois uses an income shares model to calculate child support. The calculation considers both parents’ incomes, the amount of parenting time exercised by each parent, healthcare expenses, childcare costs, and other relevant factors. While guidelines provide a framework, every family’s situation is unique.
Schedule your confidential consultation
Whether you’re establishing child support, seeking a modification, or dealing with an enforcement issue, you can request a confidential consultation with Angela to find out where your case stands. She reviews every submission personally and responds with a clear next step.