Geneva Child Support Attorneys

Lawyers Addressing Child Support Obligations and Child-Related Expenses in Geneva

In cases where parents choose to separate or divorce, child support orders will usually be established. In Illinois, both parents have a duty to support their children financially. The purpose of child support is to ensure that a child's basic needs are met and that they can continue living at a standard that would be similar to what they would expect if their parents were together. Establishing appropriate and enforceable child support orders requires a clear understanding of Illinois law, accurate financial information, and careful planning.

At Goostree Law Group, our Geneva child support lawyers can assist with all aspects of child support, ensuring that the appropriate payments will be made to provide for children's ongoing needs. Whether parents are establishing a new support arrangement, need to resolve disputes over the amounts that will be paid, or seeking changes to an existing child support order, we work to ensure that the proper orders are put in place so that children can be raised successfully.

When Child Support Is Required

Child support will typically be paid by one parent to the other when parents are no longer living together. Even in cases where parenting time is shared equally, child support may still be needed to ensure that children will have a consistent standard of living and that various expenses will be covered.

In Illinois, child support is meant to address a wide range of financial needs, including:

• Basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter
• Educational expenses, including school supplies, fees, and tutoring
• Medical and dental care, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Childcare costs during times when parents are at work or pursuing an education
• Extracurricular activities and other enrichment opportunities

The court will generally require that child support be addressed in any divorce or parentage proceeding to provide for the well-being of the child. Both parents will be required to disclose information about their income and finances to ensure that child support obligations can be calculated correctly.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Illinois

An income-sharing model is used to calculate child support in Illinois family law cases. Under this model, both parents' incomes are considered to determine the total financial support that a child should receive. The amount each parent contributes will be proportional to their share of the combined income.

Each parent's obligations will be calculated using the guidelines provided in state law. In some cases, parenting time may be a factor, and the amount of time children will spend with each parent may be incorporated into the calculations. Deviations from the guidelines may be appropriate in some cases, including when one or both parents earn a high income or when children have unique needs that must be addressed.

Additional expenses may also be added to child support orders. Childcare costs, health insurance premiums, additional medical expenses, educational fees and costs, and extracurricular expenses may be divided between parents based on each parent's percentage of their combined income. When child support orders are established, wage garnishment may be used to deduct payments directly from a parent's income, or other arrangements for making payments may be made.

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Enforcing Child Support Orders

Non-payment of child support may be a factor in some family law cases. If a parent has not made payments as required, the other may have several options for enforcement, including:

• Income withholding orders that will automatically deduct payments from a parent's wages
• Interception of tax refunds or lottery winnings
• Suspension of a person's driver's license or professional licenses until payments are made
• Liens on property or bank accounts
• Contempt proceedings, which may result in fines or jail time if a parent wilfully refuses to comply with their legal requirements

Our attorneys can assist with filing the necessary motions and working with the court system to ensure that child support is paid correctly and that arrangements are made to pay off past-due amounts. We work to ensure that parents' financial responsibilities toward their children will be enforced so that children will have the resources they need.