Every child in Illinois deserves to have his or her basic needs met. In furtherance of this goal, the State of Illinois requires that a parent who has custody of a child receive child support from the other parent. However, obtaining a valid judgment for child support often requires the assistance of an experienced Chicago child support lawyer. At the family law firm of Taradash Given, P.C., our dedicated matrimonial law attorneys have the experience and skill you need to effectively obtain a child support order.
Child support is a monetary payment made by the parent who does not have physical custody to the parent who has custody of a child. Importantly, while child support payments are payable to the parent, the payments are strictly for the benefit of the child. In other words, the benefit technically belongs to the child, not to the parent with custody of the child.
Child support payments are designed to cover the most basic expenses related to the care of a child, including food, shelter, and clothing. Child support payments do not necessarily contain an amount for education, medical or dental costs, daycare, or hobbies. However, a court may adjust the amount of child support to account for these expenses.
In Illinois, courts must follow minimum guidelines when determining how much child support is required. While the court is permitted to deviate in certain extenuating circumstances, the following are general guidelines:
Net income means “all income from all sources,” minus the following deductions permitted by Illinois child support law: federal income tax; state income tax; FICA (social security); union dues; health insurance premiums; mandatory retirement contributions; prior obligations of support actually paid; and repayment of debt necessary for the production of income.
In Illinois, child support is supposed to end when a child becomes “emancipated.” A child is defined as any child under the age of 18 and any child under the age of 19 who is still attending high school. There are instances, however, when child support can continue after a child becomes emancipated. One instance, for example, is if a child is suffering from educational or learning disabilities.
Regardless if you’re paying child support or if you’re receiving child support, you should speak with an experienced Chicago child support attorney at Taradash Given, P.C.. We have the experience to back up our reputation as an aggressive and knowledgeable law firm that fights for our clients’ rights. To find out more about Illinois child support, and to speak to an experienced attorney about the facts of your case, click here or call (312) 775-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation today. We proudly serve clients in the greater Chicagoland area and in DuPage County, Will County, Lake County, and other communities across Illinois.