Rolling Meadows, Illinois Child Support Attorney

Family Lawyer Helping Parents Calculate and Enforce Child Support in Rolling Meadows

Child support disputes often raise questions related to how much a parent should pay and for how long. Illinois law uses a specific formula to answer the first part of that question, and specific rules are followed when determining the answer to the second.

Child support cases can involve more than simple calculations related to income and expenses. If you are setting up a support order for the first time, dealing with a parent whose income has changed since the last order was entered, or trying to figure out who will pay for college once a child graduates from high school, you may be unsure about what factors will need to be addressed. You may also have questions about when support is set to end or whether it should end sooner than expected.

At Cosley Law Office, our lawyers can help you with each of these situations, whether you are starting a new case or revisiting one that has already gone through the court. We have more than 75 five-star reviews because of our dedication to helping families address all manner of legal issues.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?

The method used to calculate child support in Illinois is known as "income shares." Under 750 ILCS 5/505, the court looks at both parents' combined net income and compares this amount to a schedule that estimates what parents living together would typically spend on their children. Each parent's share of the support obligation will be based on their percentage of the combined income.

This model is meant to reflect how expenses would have been handled if the parents lived in the same household. Because the calculations depend on accurate income information from both parents, disputes may arise over how income is reported, especially for a parent who is self-employed or whose income changes from month to month.

What Does Child Support Cover?

Child support is meant to cover a child's reasonable and necessary needs, including physical, mental, and emotional health needs. This typically includes everyday costs such as housing, food, and clothing, but a court can also address specific needs like health insurance or extraordinary medical expenses. If your case involves setting up a new child support order, our lawyer can help gather information about both parents' incomes and your children's actual needs before going to court.

When Can Child Support Be Changed?

Under Illinois law, you generally must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances in order to modify an existing child support order. This might include losing a job, receiving a raise, or a new expense that may affect a parent's ability to pay child support.

If you believe your current child support order no longer reflects your financial situation, you may want to look into child support modifications before your circumstances change further.

Does Child Support Cover College Expenses in Illinois?

Child support and college expenses are treated separately under Illinois law. A court may order either or both parents to contribute toward a child's educational expenses, which can include tuition, housing, books, and certain other costs tied to college or vocational training. Parents may be required to contribute to college expenses until a child turns 23, though a court can extend that deadline to age 25 for good cause. A request for college expenses may be handled through a separate petition, and we can help you understand how these laws apply in your case.

When Does Child Support End in Illinois?

For most children, support continues until a child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at that point, support may continue until the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever takes place first. In some situations, child support may end earlier, or it may be extended. If you believe your obligation has ended or should end soon, it helps to understand the specific requirements for the termination of child support rather than assuming that payments will stop automatically.

What Sets Cosley Law Office Apart in Child Support Cases

Getting the numbers right in a child support case will involve more than following formulas. Income disputes, self-employment records, and health care costs can all change the outcome of a case, and small details matter.

Attorney Donald Cosley brings more than 30 years of experience to these cases, and he has built strong working relationships with the judges and attorneys in Cook County, which can help move your case forward efficiently. You will also work directly with Don from start to finish. He does not hand cases off to paralegals or other staff, so you always know who is handling your matter.

Talk to an Experienced Rolling Meadows, IL Child Support Attorney Today

Whether you are setting up a new child support order, requesting a modification, or dealing with college expenses, Cosley Law Office can help you understand your options. Contact our Rolling Meadows child support lawyer at 847-253-3100 to schedule a free consultation.