Rolling Meadows Child Support Attorney

Child Support Attorney Serving Families Across Cook County, Illinois

In Illinois, child support is a critical aspect of many family law cases. Courts will take steps to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, and following a divorce or separation, one parent will typically be required to make ongoing payments to the other. By working with an attorney who understands the nuances of Illinois child support laws, a parent can advocate for arrangements that will provide for their child's needs while also addressing their own financial well-being. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., we can guide parents through the complex process of establishing child support orders while working to achieve solutions that will allow our clients to maintain financial stability. We work to resolve disputes as amicably as possible while always focusing on the best interests of the child.

Understanding Child Support in Illinois

Family courts in Illinois will focus on putting arrangements in place to ensure that the financial costs of raising a child are equitably shared between both parents. The child support orders put in place are meant to ensure that both parents contribute support based on their respective incomes and that various expenses will be shared. In most cases, the parent who has a minority of the parenting time (commonly known as the "non-custodial" parent, although this term is not used in Illinois law) will make monthly payments to the other parent, although other arrangements may be appropriate depending on a family's unique situation.

Factors Influencing Child Support Calculations

• Parental income: The income of both parents plays a crucial role in determining child support obligations. Illinois uses the "income shares model," which bases child support obligations on the amount that parents would have been expected to spend to provide for their children's needs if they were still married or in a relationship, and this amount will be divided between the parents proportionally based on their individual incomes.
• Parenting time: The amount of time each parent spends with their child can sometimes influence child support payments. In situations where a child will have equal or near-equal amounts of time with each parent, each parent's child support obligation may be based on the other parent's percentage of parenting time. This can ensure that the daily expenses of raising children will be divided between parents more fairly.
• Child-related expenses: Additional costs that parents may need to pay, such as health insurance and other medical expenses, childcare during a parent's work hours, educational fees, and expenses related to extracurricular activities, may also be considered when establishing child support orders. These expenses may be divided in proportion to each parent's income, ensuring that both parents make appropriate contributions toward their child's needs.

The Role of a Family Law Attorney in Child Support Cases

Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd. can provide crucial legal assistance in matters related to child support, addressing concerns such as:

• Accurate calculation: We can ensure that all relevant factors are considered when child support obligations are calculated. We will meticulously review financial information and advocate for a fair assessment of income and expenses.
• Representation in negotiations and legal proceedings: Whether negotiating child support terms outside of court or advocating on behalf of a parent during litigation, we can provide effective legal representation, ensuring that a child support order is just and equitable.
• Modifications and enforcement: Circumstances can change, and an initial child support order may need to be adjusted to address changes in a parent's income or other relevant issues. We can help pursue modifications when necessary, and we can also aid in enforcing child support orders when a parent has failed to make payments as required.
• Navigating complex scenarios: In cases involving factors such as self-employed parents, high incomes or substantial financial resources, or parents living in different states, we can make sure all relevant issues will be addressed correctly when establishing child support obligations.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows, IL Child Support Attorney

Child support is more than a financial obligation; it is a commitment to your child's future. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., our family law attorney is dedicated to ensuring that child support arrangements will adequately provide for your child's needs and interests. Reach out to us by calling 847-859-6222 or contacting us online to arrange a free consultation. Let us help you put a financial arrangement in place that will support your child's growth and well-being.