Downers Grove, IL Child Support Lawyers

Attentive Child Support Attorneys for Clients in Downers Grove

To ensure that their children's needs will be met following a divorce, parents will have child support obligations. During a family law case, professional assistance from an attorney can help you address any questions you may have about child support. To help ensure that your children's financial needs will be met, a Downers Grove child support attorney can provide the assistance you need.

McSwain Rapp Law, LLC leverages extensive experience assisting clients going through divorce, child custody, or family law cases. Our lawyers are dedicated to providing you with support and compassionate advocacy as you address issues related to child support inside or outside of the courtroom.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Child Support?

In Illinois family law cases, a method known as the "income shares model" is used to determine child support payments. The court will consider the combined net income earned by both parents to guarantee that children will receive the proper financial support from both parents. The model may also factor in the length of time that each parent will spend with their children.

In most cases, the parent who has less parenting time with the children will be responsible for making child support payments. However, situations vary. If parents share custody time more equally or one parent earns a substantially higher income, the calculation may change.

Child support should typically cover basic living expenses, including housing costs, food, and clothing. Depending on the circumstances of a case, a court may require parents to share other types of expenses, including:

• Healthcare: Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
• Childcare: Daycare or babysitting while a parent is working
• Education Costs: School tuition, fees, school supplies, etc.
• Transportation: School commuting costs, routine travel

How Can I Change a Child Support Order in Illinois?

In Downers Grove, IL, your child support payment may be modified if you can provide proof of a significant change in circumstances or it has been at least three years since the last order was issued.

You may petition the court for a modification whenever you experience a major life change. Parents often pursue modifications for reasons such as job loss, pay increases or decreases, fluctuations in parenting time, increases in healthcare costs, specialized medical treatments, and major shifts in custody agreements.

If a modification request is approved, it may be backdated to the date you filed your petition with the court. That said, you must keep paying child support under the original order until any modifications are put in place by the court.

What Are My Options if the Other Parent Does Not Pay Child Support?

There are important steps to take if your ex stops paying child support. Keep documentation of all missed payments, record your communications, and contact a Downers Grove child support attorney to help enforce your court order.

A parent who fails to pay child support as required may face severe legal consequences, including:

• Wage garnishment
• The interception of tax refunds
• License suspensions
• Property and asset liens

It is important to make sure child support payments are made through the state. Undocumented cash payments can lead to disputes and complications. An experienced lawyer can help you seek enforcement and avoid common mistakes.

What Happens With Child Support if My Ex Quits Their Job?

Your ex cannot avoid paying child support by quitting their job. They will be considered voluntarily unemployed. Courts may calculate child support based on what your ex should be earning. They may take their past income, education, and job skills into account.

Child support orders are legally binding unless a judge has formally approved a modification. Missed payments must be made up, and they will accrue interest until they are fully paid. Keep track of all missed payments and document any information that may indicate that your ex has quit their job to avoid payments.

Contact a Downers Grove, IL Child Support Lawyer

At McSwain Rapp Law, LLC, our attorneys can provide guidance on how to address child support orders and related issues. Call our office at 630-581-2877 or contact our Downers Grove child support attorneys for a free consultation.