Failing to Pay Child Support in Chicago – What are the Consequences for Nonpayment of Child Support Under Illinois Laws?
One of the things that newly-divorced parents may wonder in Chicago is what happens if one ex-spouse fails to make child support payments to the other ex-spouse, as required by the court order in the case? Indeed, in order for a divorce to be finalized, if there are children born of the marriage, the court makes a determination of who will pay child support, how much that child support will be, and for how long it will be made. The truth of the matter is that failing to make child support payments in Chicago can lead a Chicago parent to face serious consequences under Illinois laws. But what exactly are those consequences, and what can Chicago parents do if they are facing complex child support issues and need legal help? We answer those questions here.
Failing to Make Child Support Payments in Chicago Under Illinois Laws
At the outset, the laws that govern Chicago divorces and child support cases can be found in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, as well as the Illinois Parentage Act, which are codified in the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Under Illinois laws, “Failure of either parent to comply with an order to pay support shall be punishable as in other cases of contempt. In addition to other penalties provided by law the court may, after finding the parent guilty of contempt, order that the parent be: (1) placed on probation with such conditions of probation as the court deems advisable; (2) sentenced to periodic imprisonment for a period not to exceed 6 months; provided, however, that the court may permit the parent to be released for periods of time during the day or night to: (A) work; or (B) conduct a business or other self-employed occupation.” Accordingly, it is clear that under Illinois laws, parents who fail to pay child support can be held in civil contempt of court. In addition, Chicago parents may also face criminal charges if they do not make child support payments under an order issued by a Chicago judge. Parents who fail to make child support payments may be criminally charged under the Illinois Non-Support Punishment Act, and may face jail time and other consequences for the nonpayment of court-ordered child support payments. Chicago parents may face wage garnishment, suspension of their driver’s license, and other consequences under the law.
Getting Legal Help in Chicago with Your Child Support Case – Chicago Family Lawyer
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your child support case, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Chicago family lawyer to discuss your rights and options. The experienced Chicago family lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their child support issues. Contact the experienced Chicago family lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to an attorney about your case now.
