Parents in Illinois always have a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their children, even after divorce. During divorce proceedings, parents can come to an agreement on their own about child support, or a judge may issue an order. Either way, these orders are legally binding and the only way to change them is to petition the court for a modification. The courts do not give modifications easily, but there are four common issues that can result in a reduction. Regardless of whether you are receiving child support or paying it, it is important to know what these issues are, and when they may impact the amount of support ordered.
The Paying Parent Loses Their Job
When making a determination about child support, a judge will consider the paying parent’s income, education, and past work experience. When the parent that pays child support loses their job, that clearly significantly impacts their income. Job loss could justify lowering the total amount of child support they pay, and that the other parent receives.
The Paying Parent Experiences a Loss of Income
A parent that pays child support may experience a drop in income even if they do not lose their job. For example, their employer may demote them or, they may find a new job that pays less. In these instances, a child support order may also be reduced based on the new amount of income the paying parent is responsible for paying.
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