Chicago Child Support Lawyer

Chicago Child Support Attorney

Child support was designed to ensure that after two parents divorce, any children involved will still have their basic needs funded, regardless of which parent they spend time with. Determining an exact child support figure can be a contentious process, as both parents might have competing ideas on what makes the most sense for the dynamic of their family unit moving forward. Hiring an experienced Chicago child support lawyer can help ease your mind during this difficult process.

At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we understand how important it is to secure a child support arrangement that is fair and of enough substance to support the children involved. It’s why we take our role very seriously to step in and assess how the court will perceive a child’s interests to better understand how a child support payment will be calculated. Having a Chicago family law attorney on your team will also help ensure no one takes advantage of your rights in this process.

Most Common Child Support Disputes in Chicago

There are many different issues in child support cases in Chicago that can bring about disputes. Some are easier to solve than others, but regardless, they all need to be resolved to help reach a solution that is as fair as possible.

Some of the most common areas of contention in child support cases include:

Child Support Amount Calculations

One of the most frequently disputed areas of a child support case is how the actual monthly figure is calculated. The number one source of information used to reach these decisions is how much money each parent makes annually.

While this may seem straightforward, one parent may accuse the other parent of manipulating their true income to try and prevent themselves from being ordered to pay as much as they are able. This is illegal and could lead to repercussions under the law. At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we can use the same software the court uses to calculate a fair child support amount.

Child Support Payment Compliance

Sometimes, a parent either refuses to make a child support payment or has not been compliant in making these in the past. When this happens, it can have a catastrophic effect on the other parent’s ability to provide for a child’s most basic needs. To combat this issue, the court can help resolve the matter with an order to garnish funds from the non-paying spouse’s paychecks to fulfill their financial duty.

Imputation of Income

In child support cases where one parent is either unemployed or is only working part-time, the court has the ability to compute their income based on how much money they believe the individual could be making. This calculation is made by making an assessment of the individual’s education, skills, and previous job history.

After this calculation is made, the parent ordered to make additional child support payments or return to work might challenge the order. They may claim the calculation was not made with accurate information or that what is being asked of them financially is unrealistic. To convince the court to modify its decision, the individual will need to introduce new evidence that employment qualifications were misunderstood. Only a court order can modify child support terms.

Retroactive Child Support

In certain situations, a parent may seek retroactive child support. A court can determine that support for the child was due prior to the date of the child support agreement. This can happen in the case of a parent not knowing about the existence of a child or the unwillingness of a parent to help raise a child. Sometimes, a parent is found guilty of delaying filing for child support on purpose in an attempt to avoid having to make payments earlier than they wanted to.

The goal of retroactive child support is the same as current child support in that the court seeks to ensure that the child receives the financial means they are entitled to. Retroactive child support may be ordered as a lump sum payment or in monthly payments.

FAQs for Child Support Attorneys

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

The total cost to hire a child support lawyer in Illinois is dependent on the combination of many different factors, such as how long a case will run due to its complexity and how many years of experience the attorney has in their legal discipline. In addition to total cost, the way in which they charge matters as well. Some attorneys bill hourly for their services, while others may prefer a flat fee arrangement. It is recommended that you discuss payment and fees at your first consultation.

How Do I Fight Child Support in Illinois?

If you wish to fight child support decisions in Illinois, you should request a modification to the current agreement. In order for the court to change the agreement, compelling evidence must be presented, such as proper income verification. Knowledgeable Chicago child support attorneys can help you gather the financial documentation you will need to contest the agreement and help to get a fair outcome.

What Is the Most Child Support You Can Take in Illinois?

There are many different factors that can determine how much child support can be deducted from a parent’s income in Illinois. The final outcome varies depending on different key factors, such as how many children need to be supported, who has parental responsibilities over the children the majority of the time, and the amount of each parent’s annual income. All of these factors are used to help reach a fair number that provides for a child’s most basic needs.

How Long Do I Have to Pay for Child Support in Illinois?

Child support payments are traditionally ordered to continue until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school. There are some exceptions to this general rule that would extend one parent’s financial obligation to a child. For example, if parents agree ahead of time that support is needed for a child’s time in college or if the child has special medical needs that may hinder them from being financially self-sufficient at the age of 18.

Contact Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., Today

If you have any questions about how child support works in Illinois or are looking to hire legal representation for your next case, the team at Shaffer Family Law, Ltd., is here to help. Contact us today to understand how we can help you balance your rights and the needs of your family.