I am Getting Divorced in Chicago and We Have Kids – What Does a Chicago Divorce Court Want to Know in Order to Determine the Issue of Child Support?

There is no doubt that for many divorcing parents in Chicago, the most important, emotionally charged, and divisive issue the court will address in the divorce case is the issue of child support. Indeed, child support is intended to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children, even after a divorce, and the determination of child support can bring about a lot of emotions for divorcing parents. In Chicago, under Illinois child support laws, courts follow a set of statutory guidelines to determine the amount of support, and several factors are considered in each individual case. To help Chicago parents better understand Chicago divorce laws, we discuss several key things Chicago courts look at when it comes to the determination of child support, and where to get legal help, here.

Your Finances and Paying Child Support in Chicago

First of all, Chicago courts involved in child support determinations will want to know the income of both parents. Under Illinois laws, Chicago courts use what is known as the “income shares” model, which means that the court combines the net incomes of both parents and then determines how much would be spent on the child if the family were still together. Each parent is then responsible for their portion of that amount based on their percentage of the total income. This model aims to treat the child as if the divorce had not changed their standard of living.

Parenting Time and the Determination of Child Support in Chicago Divorce Cases

In addition to income, the court will consider the amount of parenting time each parent has. If parenting time is shared fairly equally, this can affect the amount of child support one parent pays to the other. When parenting is truly shared, the court may adjust the support calculation to reflect the financial responsibilities both parents take on during their respective parenting time.

“Extraordinary Expenses” and Child Support Determinations in Chicago

Finally, Chicago courts typically also take into account any extraordinary expenses related to the child. This includes costs for health insurance, medical care not covered by insurance, child care necessary for a parent to work, and educational or extracurricular expenses. Parents may be ordered to split these costs in proportion to their incomes or in another way the court deems fair.

Getting Legal Help in Chicago – Chicago Child Support 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 child support lawyer about your case. The experienced Chicago child support lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help individuals in Chicago with their challenging divorce and child support issues. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak with a lawyer about your rights and options under Illinois laws now.

Source:

ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k505.htm