Child Support Determinations

Child support must be addressed as part of any custody or parenting time determination. The law requires both parents to financially support their children. The right to receive support belongs to the child so a court must approve any child support determination or modification.

Child support may be determined by following state guidelines or deciding on a different amount through negotiation. In Illinois, support usually follows the guideline amounts unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

Child Support Guidelines: What You Need To Know

Before child support can be calculated, the court must first determine whether one or both parents will be paying some portion of child support. To determine this, the court evaluates the allocation of parental responsibilities.

Currently, the state guidelines are determined based on a percentage of the supporting parent’s net income and the number of children. The court may take other factors into consideration, such as the financial needs and resources of the children and parents, the standard of living, and the physical and emotional health of the children.

Child support can be modified if circumstances change significantly. We can assist clients with modification as well as violation and enforcement issues.

Illinois child support laws will be changing effective July 1, 2017. Let us help you figure out how this may affect your child support order.

We Can Help You Overcome Challenges In Determining Income

Because child support is based on income, determination of the parties’ incomes is very important. The issue of income becomes more complicated with high net worth clients, self-employed individuals and business owners.

At Maurizio & Sharpe, our seasoned attorneys are adept at sorting out support determinations as well as evaluating complex income issues. Hiring the right lawyer can have an impact on how much support is received and how much is paid.

If you are worried about the financial impact of child support, call 618-364-4148 or email us to schedule an initial consultation in our Marion office. We represent clients throughout southern Illinois, including Williamson and Franklin counties.