Increasing Child Support in Illinois

Elgin, IL Child Support Modification Lawyer

In Illinois, child support is determined by statutory guidelines outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA). Following an update to the IMDMA that went into effect on July 1, 2017, these guidelines now take both parents' incomes into account, as well as each parent's amount of parental responsibility and parenting time. If either parent's net income changes substantially, an increase in the amount of child support owed may also be warranted. At Canning Law Offices, we are experienced in handling modifications to child support orders. Whether you are the paying parent or the receiving parent, we can effectively advocate for your interests and the interests of your children.

Previously, the child support guidelines based the amount of child support payments on a percentage of the non-custodial parent's net income. Following the update to the IMDMA, parents' combined income will be used to determine a basic support obligation, and this amount will be divided between the parents based on the amount that each parent contributes to the combined income.

While the amount of your child support payments may change when calculated using the new guidelines, the implementation of this law is not a sufficient reason to increase or decrease child support payments. Parents who wish to modify their child support order must demonstrate that there has been a significant change in their circumstances, such as an increase or decrease in income or a change to the child's medical or educational needs.

Petitioning for a Child Support Increase

The amount of child support you receive is never written in stone. Illinois law allows for child support increases and, depending on your particular situation, you may have been entitled to such an increase years ago. Unfortunately, too many parents fail to take advantage of this opportunity.

Whether it is for new shoes, school clothes, video games, Christmas gifts, movies, sports equipment, etc., your children need and deserve the additional benefits an increase in child support would provide. Their quality of life need not suffer because of higher education, medical, recreational, or day-to-day expenses. You owe it to yourself and to your children to determine whether you are entitled to an increase in child support.

Please keep in mind that even a modest increase in child support could mean the difference in thousands of dollars for you and your children. For example, let's assume you have a son who just turned ten years of age. If your child support is increased by $20.00 per week, this will result in you receiving an extra $8,300.00 before he turns 18. (And this does not take into consideration possible additional increases in the future.)

If you believe there should be an increase in the child support you are being paid or if you wish to defend against having to pay more child support, contact Canning Law Offices­ at 847-742-0420 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We will look at the circumstances of your case and provide our experienced opinion on how you should proceed. We are located in Elgin, IL, and we work with clients throughout South Elgin, Gilberts, St. Charles, Hampshire, Carpentersville, and Algonquin. Se Habla Español.