Algonquin, Illinois Child Support Lawyers

Raising a child involves multiple types of financial responsibilities. When parents decide to get a divorce, or when parents who are unmarried plan to separate, they will both be required to continue contributing to their children's needs. Child support is meant to ensure that the costs of raising children will be shared by parents. For parents who are involved in divorce or child custody cases, understanding how child support is calculated and what expenses it is meant to cover will be some of the most important issues to address.

The attorneys at Goostree Law Group can help clients address all child-related issues that may arise in family law cases. We can make sure all factors are considered when determining who will pay child support, how payments will be calculated, and how expenses will be shared. We can provide guidance on how these issues fit into a child custody case and how our clients can resolve any issues they may encounter as they put the proper child support arrangements in place.

Income Shares Child Support in Illinois

The model used by Illinois courts to calculate child support is known as "income shares," since it takes the income earned by both parties into account. The combined net income of the parents will be used to estimate the amount that they would have spent on providing for their children if they continued to live together. That basic child support obligation is divided between the parents based on their respective incomes.

The Purpose of Basic Child Support

The amount of child support determined using the income shares method is meant to cover the ordinary, day-to-day costs of raising a child. This generally includes housing, food, clothing, and other regular necessities. Because these expenses are considered part of a household's everyday cost of living, they are built into standard child support calculations. The amount owed will depend on several factors, including the number of children involved, each parent's net income, and, in some cases, the parenting time schedule that is established in a child custody case.

Additional Expenses Beyond Basic Child Support

While the basic child support obligation covers routine living costs, there are other expenses involved in raising children that go beyond everyday necessities. Courts may allocate these costs between parents, adding additional requirements that may apply to one or both parents. Costs that may be added to child support orders include:

Childcare Costs

When a parent needs to make arrangements for childcare in order to work or attend school, the costs may be shared by both parents. Courts may consider whether childcare arrangements are reasonable and necessary when ordering a parent to contribute toward these expenses. The costs may include attendance at a daycare center, after-school programs, or payments made to a nanny or babysitter.

Medical Expenses

Parents will typically divide health insurance premiums for their children, along with other medical costs. These expenses may include co-payments, deductibles, orthodontic care, mental health therapy, and other health-related costs that arise throughout a child's life.

Educational Costs

Expenses related to a child's schooling, such as tuition for a private school, the costs of hiring tutors, or any school fees or school supplies that are required, may also be added to a support order when appropriate. Courts may look at whether certain educational expenses are reasonable or whether they are similar to decisions about education that were previously made by parents.

Extracurricular Activities

Costs associated with music lessons, sports, gymnastics, dance classes, clubs, scouting, or other extracurricular activities can be included in a child support order. Since children's activities may change over time, and the costs may be irregular, parents may agree on how expenses will be paid, including whether they may approve of certain activities or whether there is a maximum amount that each parent will be required to pay each year.