Tips for Understanding Child Support Income Sharing Guidelines

 Posted on September 30, 2019 in Child Support

As a parent pursuing child support following a separation or divorce, it is not uncommon to encounter various roadblocks. The process can bring all kinds of questions and concerns to the surface, and parents will need answers to these questions sooner rather than later. They need to know how much support they qualify for, how that support will be provided, and the certainty that funds are not only available but reliable on an ongoing basis. Additionally, those paying support are entitled to know how their obligations are calculated and what is expected of them by law.

Income Shares Approach

Whether discussions about support arrangements have turned tense between you and the other parent, or you simply feel overwhelmed as you begin your attempt to secure the means needed to care for your child, consider the following tips to better understand the “Income Shares” method in the state of Illinois:

• Child support in Illinois is determined by income shares, a method the court uses to specify obligatory financial amounts. These numbers are based on the combined income of both parents, the number of children they are raising, and the average cost of raising those children. Child support obligations are determined using a table (known as the "income shares schedule") that specifies the amount parents are expected to spend to raise their children based on their combined net income.

• The income shares method is a fairly new set of guidelines and may not automatically apply to existing cases. The guidelines for the income shares method of determining child support were put in place in July of 2017, but existing support orders that went into effect prior to that date may only be eligible for modification if they meet certain criteria. An attorney can help you understand these criteria and assist you in determining whether or not your existing order qualifies for a modification to reflect these new laws. As a general rule of thumb, a significant change in the circumstances of either party must take place in order to justify a change to your current support order.

• Child support may also cover additional expenses. The basic child support obligation that is determined using the income shares schedule is meant to cover children's daily living expenses, including food, shelter, and clothing. In addition to this obligation, parents may also be required to contribute toward other child-related expenses, including extracurricular activities and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Contact a Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

Establishing or modifying a child support order for your family can be an intricate process. If you pay taxes in another state, are dealing with an uncooperative parent, or are unclear on costs not addressed in the income shares schedule, that process can be even more daunting. For a smoother experience and peace of mind, the guidance of a skilled DuPage County child support attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Call A. Traub & Associates today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/SiteCollectionDocuments/INCOMESHARESFAQ.pdf

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/parents/Pages/IncomeShares.aspx