Winfield, Illinois Child Support Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Establish Child Support Orders in Winfield Divorce and Family Law Cases

Child support is an important aspect of many family law cases. Courts take steps to ensure that children will have the resources they need, and when parents choose to divorce or unmarried parents choose to separate, both parents will have financial obligations toward their children. However, the legal and financial issues addressed in these cases can be complicated, and it is important to work with an attorney to make sure children's best interests will be protected.

Whether you are seeking to establish a new child support order, modify an existing arrangement, or enforce unpaid support, Goostree Law Group can provide you with legal representation, and we will work to protect your rights and make sure your children will be provided for. We help parents in Winfield address all aspects of child support. Whether you are getting a divorce or are an unmarried parent, we can advise you of your rights and obligations under Illinois law.

Our firm's founder, Tricia Goostree, has over 20 years of legal experience, and she has provided legal help to people in a wide variety of situations. With more than 100 positive reviews from former clients, Goostree Law Group has earned a reputation for delivering thoughtful legal solutions and addressing our clients' needs with compassion. We are ready to advocate for you and your family as you address concerns related to child support.

Call 630-584-4800 and let us help your family.

Establishing Child Support in Illinois

Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/505), both parents are obligated to provide child support. The specific obligations that will apply to each parent are calculated using formulas that consider both parents' incomes and the amount each parent would have contributed if the couple had remained together. When establishing a child support order, the court may examine a variety of factors, including:

• The income and earning potential of each parent
• The number of children being supported
• The amount of parenting time each parent has under the parenting plan
• Any existing financial obligations, such as support for children from other relationships
• The specific needs of the child, including educational, medical, and extracurricular costs

In some cases, the court may deviate from the statutory guidelines if necessary, including in situations where one or both parents earn a high income. At Goostree Law Group, we help our clients gather and present complete and accurate financial information to ensure that their child support orders are fair and will provide for their children's ongoing needs.

Expenses Covered in Child Support Orders

Child support is intended to cover a wide range of expenses. Child support orders calculated using statutory formulas are meant to provide for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. To address any additional expenses, support orders may be adjusted to ensure that parents share the costs of:

• Health Insurance and Medical Costs: Parents will typically be required to provide health insurance coverage through either parent's employer, and they will divide the costs of monthly premiums. They may also be required to share out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Childcare Costs: Daycare or babysitting may be necessary for a parent to work or attend school. Parents will usually share the costs of employment-related childcare.
• Educational Expenses: Parents may be required to contribute toward tuition, school supplies, and other related costs.
• Extracurricular Activities: When children participate in activities such as sports or music lessons, parents may share the related costs.

In some cases, special circumstances may need to be considered, and child support may need to be adjusted to account for these issues. For example, if a child has extraordinary needs due to a disability or illness, additional support may be ordered to provide the necessary care and accommodations.