Child Support
The numbers should make sense for your family.
Whether you are establishing support, reviewing an existing order, or facing a change in income or parenting arrangements, we’ll help you understand the information behind the calculation and the steps available to you.
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How Illinois approaches child support
Illinois uses an income shares approach that considers both parents’ incomes and the number of children. Parenting arrangements and other circumstances can affect the calculation. We’ll help you gather the facts, understand the proposed amount, and see how the order works in everyday life.
What we can help you sort through
Establishing support
We can review income information, parenting arrangements, and the issues that need to be addressed in an initial order.
Health care and child care
Insurance, medical costs, and qualifying child care expenses may be part of the broader support discussion.
Changes to an order
If income or family circumstances have changed, we can discuss whether seeking a modification makes sense and what information is needed.
Questions about payments
Bring an existing order and payment history if the amount due, timing, or compliance is in dispute.
Questions we hear
Does child support depend only on one parent’s income?
No. Illinois generally uses both parents’ incomes under its income shares guidelines. The details of your family’s situation matter.
Is child support separate from parenting time?
They are different issues, though parenting arrangements can affect the support calculation. An order should address each issue clearly.
Can I change my child support order?
A change in circumstances may support a request to modify an order. Do not assume a change in income automatically changes what you owe or receive; ask about the proper process.
What should I bring to a first conversation?
Recent pay information, any current court orders, and details about health insurance, child care, and parenting time are helpful. You can still call before you have every document.
Get clear on the next step
Tell us what has changed or what you need to put in place for your child.
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