Part of the reasons child care costs have increased involves the loss of child care jobs. One in six child care jobs were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in child care costs makes it difficult for Illinois parents. If you receive child support and you are responsible for paying for child care costs, you may find yourself needing to modify your child support agreement to increase the funds you receive.
If your child care costs are increasing, you might want a child support modification. As the coronavirus pandemic winds down, many employers expect their clients to return to work in the office. Those parents who can afford to go back to the office may have difficulty finding child care openings in Illinois. The cost of child care has continued to rise in Illinois. For infants, child care costs have increased to nearly $14,000, and the cost for child care for a 4-year-old has increased to $10,400.
How to Seek a Child Support Modification in Illinois
Modifying a child support order is not always easy, but it is possible. If you would like to request a child support modification, you will need to prove that a “substantial change in circumstances” has occurred.
When Will Illinois Courts Modify Child Support Orders?
Even though the child support amount can be modified simultaneously, the person requesting the modification must prove a substantial change in circumstances. It is possible to receive a temporary child support order in Illinois. Illinois judges can issue a temporary child support order while a child support proceeding is pending. They can modify that order at any time before the court issues a final judgment.
Keep in mind that you cannot use self-help to modify your child’s support. For example, suppose your co-parent is not complying with your visitation rights. You cannot stop child support payments without obtaining an order from the court. Likewise, if your child care expenses have increased dramatically, you cannot simply demand your co-parent to pay more. Instead, you have to go through the legal process of petitioning the court for a modification.
The Process for Modifying a Child Support Order in Illinois
In your petition to modify your child support order, you will need to state the basis for your request for modification and include a “prayer for relief.” The prayer for relief explains the change in child support obligation that you are requesting from the court. Want me to serve the petition to your co-parent by using the sheriff. You can serve the notice by mail to the responding party’s last known address.
The court will schedule a hearing, and your attorney will be able to present evidence on your behalf. For example, your attorney can present evidence that your cost of living has increased due to inflation and that your child’s needs have increased because of the rising cost of childcare. At the end of the hearing, the judge will rule on increasing your child support amount.
Consult With an Illinois Child Support Lawyer Today
If you need representation for a child support matter in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is here to help. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.