If you are going through a divorce and have children, child support is likely at the top of your mind. Since there are many misconceptions about this topic, we have compiled this list of common questions about child support in Illinois. Once you read through the answers to these questions, you’ll become more familiar with the basics of child support and how it may affect you.
1. Which parent is responsible for making child support payments?
Although the answer to this question varies from case to case, the parent who has the most parenting time with the children typically receives child support payments. If both parents have equal parenting time, they may not have the obligation to pay child support to one another.
2. How much will child support payments be?
If you have less parenting time, you will be responsible for paying a minimum percentage of your net income to the other parent. The more children you have, the higher your child support payments will be. For example, you may pay 20 percent of your income for one child but 28 percent for two children and 32 percent for three children.
3. How are child support payments made?
In the majority of situations, child support payments are withheld from the parent’s paycheck and distributed to the Illinois State Disbursement Unit. Sometimes, parents make electronic payments or send checks to the State Disbursement Unit directly.
4. What happens if a parent does not pay child support?
If a parent who has been ordered to pay child support fails to do so on a consistent basis, they may face serious penalties. Wage garnishment, property liens, interruption of tax refunds, and revocation of licenses are several examples of these penalties.
5. Can child support be modified?
Child support can be modified if there is a change in circumstances. If a parent has had an increase or decrease in income due to a career change, promotion or job loss, a modification may be granted by the court.
6. What does child support cover?
Child support covers basic expenses for children such as food, clothing, and shelter. It can also pay for education, extracurricular activities, and medical expenses.
7. How would a new spouse’s income apply to child support if a parent remarries?
A new spouse’s income would not be considered for child support because they would have no legal obligation to support a spouse’s child.
Contact an Experienced DuPage County Divorce Attorney
For more information on child support and how it applies to your Illinois divorce case, we encourage you to contact our highly skilled Hinsdale divorce attorneys. Call us today at 630-920-8855.
Source:
https://www.thespruce.com/illinois-child-custody-guidelines-2997106