Your Chicago Divorce Questions Answered: What Can I Do if My Ex Refuses to Pay Child Support in Chicago?

One of the things that Chicago parents may be concerned about, even after a divorce is finalized and an order of child support is put in place, is that their ex may not follow through with their court-ordered child support obligations. Indeed, once an order concerning child support payments is issued by a Chicago court, the parent that is subject to the order will need to make regular payments pursuant to the order, but things do not always go so smoothly. In these cases, a Chicago parent may wonder what their rights and options are, and what action they can take to enforce the child support order and obtain the important payments necessary to raise their kids. To help Chicago parents who are facing potential child support non-payment issues, and those who are currently facing non-payment, we explain what you can do if your ex refuses to pay child support payments in Chicago here.
The Law of the Case: Your Child Support Order
At the outset, it is important for Chicago parents facing child support nonpayment issues to understand the basics of a child support order. In Chicago, under Illinois marriage and divorce laws, the court overseeing the child support case will typically issue an order of child support during not only a divorce, but also during paternity cases and child custody hearings. The child support order, which is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, typically outlines the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary custody of the child or children) must pay, and how frequently those payments must be made. Accordingly, the first step that Chicago parents can take after their ex refuses to pay child support is to review the child support order in the case.
Consulting with an Experienced Chicago Divorce Lawyer
Handling non-payment of child support issues can be challenging and complex, and may require taking the next step of contacting the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and potentially filing a motion for contempt in court, which lets the court know that the non-paying parent has failed their obligations under the child support order that it issued. Child support laws in Illinois are complex, and, accordingly, it is best to consult with an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps in your specific case. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer can review your order of child support and craft a strategy for enforcing it under Illinois laws.
Getting Legal Help in Chicago – Chicago Divorce Lawyer
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your child support non-payment issues, contact the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their complex and challenging child support issues. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about your case today. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
