Did You Lose Your Job in Chicago but You Have Child Support Payment Obligations? Find Out What You Can Do Under Illinois Child Support Laws

When a parent in Chicago finally gets their decree of dissolution of marriage from a Chicago judge, and has the child custody orders, child support orders, and parenting plan in hand, they may think that it is smooth sailing from here on out. However, as with most things in life, the most well-laid plans often get disrupted, and lives can change in the blink of an eye. Indeed, when a Chicago parent who is facing court-ordered child support payments has a change in financial situation, such as the case if they lose their job, they may be extremely concerned with what they will do to meet their legal obligations. But what can Chicago parents do if they lose their jobs, but have court-ordered child support obligations, and where can Chicago parents turn to for legal help with modifying child support orders? We answer those questions here.

Good News for Chicago Parents Facing the Loss of a Job and Child Support Obligations: Modification is Possible

Illinois child support laws establish that a parent can make a modification to a child support order. Under the Illinois Code, “…the provisions of any judgment respecting maintenance or support may be modified only as to installments accruing subsequent to due notice by the moving party of the filing of the motion for modification. An order for child support may be modified…upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances. Contemplation or foreseeability of future events shall not be considered as a factor or used as a defense in determining whether a substantial change in circumstances is shown, unless the future event is expressly specified in the court’s order or the agreement of the parties incorporated into a court order. The parties may expressly specify in the agreement incorporated into a court order or the court may expressly specify in the order that the occurrence of a specific future event is contemplated and will not constitute a substantial change in circumstances to warrant modification of the order….” Indeed, it is clear that under Illinois child support laws, a Chicago parent may move the court to make a modification to an order of child support if there has been a “substantial change in circumstances,” among other criteria.

Getting Legal Help for Your Child Support Modification Case in Chicago – Chicago Child Support Lawyer

Let’s face it: no Chicago parent should have to go through the challenging child support modification system alone. If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help making modifications to an existing child support order because your circumstances have changed, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney for legal help. The experienced Chicago child support lawyers at the law firm of Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their child support modification cases. Do not delay in speaking to a lawyer about your case. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a Chicago lawyer about your rights and options now.

Source:

ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k510.htm#:~:text=An%20obligee%20must%20advise%20the,72%20hours%20of%20getting%20married.