Wheaton, Illinois Child Support Lawyers

Attorneys for Child Support Issues Serving DuPage County

The child support lawyers at our firm understand the child support laws in Illinois. A new child support law has gone into effect as of July 2017, and under this law, the amount of child support will no longer be based only on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. The new law introduces a shared income model that accounts for both parents’ parenting time and income to determine the amount of child support owed.

It is best to consult with a knowledgeable Illinois child support lawyer to discuss child support. Whether you think you might be required to make child support payments, are concerned about temporary child support during your divorce, or are hoping to receive support payments, contact us at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC at 630-665-7300.

Illinois Child Support Laws

The purpose of child support is to ensure that children’s needs will be met, and both parents are required to contribute financially to address the expenses of raising their children. The child support laws of Illinois take into account the child's needs and prioritize their best interests when determining child support payments. The parents’ incomes, parenting time, and other factors are all taken into consideration when calculating child support amounts.

Under the new child support law that went into effect in 2017, child support obligations are determined by taking the parents' combined income and the number of children they share to establish the amount that would typically be spent on providing for children's needs if the parents were still married or in a relationship. This amount is then divided between both parents according to their respective incomes. In some cases, adjustments may be made to each parent's obligations based on the amount of parenting time they will have with their children.

Child support orders may also address child-related expenses in addition to the basic child support obligations that are meant to address costs such as food, housing, and clothing. These expenses may include those that are related to health and medical care, and parents may divide the costs of health insurance coverage for children, as well as any other medical expenses. Each parent may also be required to contribute to child care expenses, such as the costs of placing children in daycare while parents are working. Educational expenses and costs related to extracurricular activities may also be addressed.

Special Accounting Skills

In some cases, forensic accountants are necessary to identify sources of income for the purposes of calculating support payments. This is particularly true when one spouse is a sole proprietor or otherwise self-employed and does not receive a W-2 form from an employer. One of our attorneys, George Frederick, has a degree in accounting and performs income-related investigative work for our law firm.

Child Support Modification

Calculating child support payments is only the first step. Petitioning for modification of a child support order is often necessary when parental circumstances change. For example, one party may obtain a higher-paying job, lose their job, become permanently disabled, or have another child. There are many reasons why child support orders may need modification. Our attorneys structure petitions for modification of a child support order to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.

How an Attorney Can Help with Child Support Issues

No two child support cases are the same, which is why it is essential to enlist the help of a child support attorney who understands the complexities of child support laws in Illinois. An experienced child support lawyer can provide you with the legal advice you need to address child support issues, and they can help you avoid costly mistakes. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we can represent your interests in court proceedings related to child support and ensure that your children’s best interests are taken into account when establishing a child support order. Contact the knowledgeable and skilled child custody lawyers at our firm by calling 630-665-7300.