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Aggressive Child Support Attorneys in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Throughout Cook County

All good parents want the best for their children, and for most non-custodial parents, that means paying regular child support. Illinois is one of ten family law jurisdictions that uses a percentage-of-income model to determine a parent’s child support obligation. Even though the formula itself is rather straightforward, it can be difficult to calculate a person’s income. As the so-called “second economy” continues to emerge and more people work a series of freelance or part-time jobs, as opposed to one regular full-time job, these challenges will become even more pronounced.

At Glasgow & Olsson, we are committed to the idea that divorce should not be an undue financial hardship on anyone, including the children. We make it a priority to see that the court initially sets a fair child support amount. Almost inevitably, there will be a need to change the amount or an enforcement action of an existing order. When these things happen, we work diligently to reach the best possible solution for you and your family.

Child Support in Illinois

Illinois’ child support statute provides that the court may order either or both parents to reasonably financially support a child. The court, in its own discretion, may also order additional financial support for a child for purposes of educational, extra-curricular, religious and health expenses.  The computation of child support is based upon both parties’ net incomes and then the computation is determined by adding the parents’ monthly net incomes together, selecting the corresponding appropriate amount from the schedule of basic child support obligations based upon the parties’ combined monthly net income and number of children of the parties, and calculating each parent’s percentage share of the basic child support obligation. 750 ILCS 5/505.

In determining an award, the court considers the following factors:

  • Both parents’ financial needs and resources;
  • The childrens’ financial needs and resources;
  • Any special physical, mental, educational or emotional needs of a child; and
  • The standard of living the children would have had if the parents were living together.

Basic child support is intended to cover the children’s basic needs, such as clothes, shelter, and food.

If an obligor has only one regular W-2 job, net income is fairly easy to calculate. However, if an obligor has several jobs, or receives income from nontraditional sources, like freelance jobs, rents, or royalties, it is important to have an experienced advocate who can wade through the different numbers and get to the heart of the matter. The net income on a 1040 is not necessarily the same thing as net income for child support. Certain payroll deductions, most notably voluntary retirement contributions, are not deducted from gross income for child support purposes.

If an obligor becomes delinquent, there are a number of ways to collect past due child support. The amount can generally be modified if financial circumstances have permanently changed, and the modification is in the best interest of the children.

Child support is an important part of a divorce settlement. Contact our attorneys today at 847.577.8700 for your consultation. The law firm of Glasgow & Olsson serves families throughout Cook County, Kane County, DuPage County, and the rest of the surrounding Chicago communities.