Experienced Orland Park Child Support Attorney

Once a couple has decided to break-up there are many decisions that must be made. When the couple has children, special consideration must be made to child custody, support, and visitation. To resolve these issues, seek support and guidance from an experienced Orland Park child support attorney. Many couples today choose a shared parenting arrangement. However, even in this situation, one parent is generally considered the primary custodial parent. This means the parent with whom the children live most of the time.

Most often, the non-custodial parent is responsible for payment of child support. If you are a parent going through a divorce or paternity case you will have many questions. Johnson & Johnson, Ltd. has the experience and expertise to guide you through the litigation and child support process. As experienced Orland Park child support attorneys, we provide the support necessary to help you through the difficult decisions that will have a lasting impact on your family.

Child Support Guidelines

In Illinois, child support payments are determined using the income shares formula. The most important factor used when calculating child support is the net income of each parent. The individualized net income is obtained by taking the parent’s gross income and subtracting deductions. Some of the deductions include federal and state taxes, social security payments, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and mandatory union dues. Other payments, such as loans, are not subtracted. This is because the courts have deemed that child support payments take priority over these types of payments. An Orland Park child support attorney will help you to properly calculate each parent’s net income.

Illinois Child Support Calculation

Once the net incomes of each parent have been determined, the next step is to utilize a support obligation chart. The chart provides the basic support obligation and is based on the number of children the parents support. This chart provides the minimum amount of child support that will be ordered by the court. Other things may be taken into consideration as well. Consult with a qualified Orland Park child support attorney to learn how the calculations will likely be done. A great tool for calculating income shares child support obligations is the Illinois Child Support Calculator.

Other Factors to Consider

The court will give some consideration to other factors when determining child support payments. These factors may include such things as the financial needs of each parent, the educational and health needs of the child, financial resources of both parents, and the standard of living that the family has had. The courts will always make decisions on child support based on what is in the best interest of the child. Keep in mind that each situation is different and has a unique set of circumstances. For this reason, consult with a skilled Orland Park child support attorney as soon as possible.

Child Support Modifications

Once a child support order is put into place it must be followed. Any changes must be made through the court system. For example, if a parent’s financial status has changed significantly a modification must be ordered before changes can be made to the support order. Either parent may file a petition for child support modification. This is best accomplished with the help of a knowledgeable Orland Park child support attorney. Your lawyer will assist in preparing and filing the forms necessary to request a court hearing.

Contact an Orland Park Child Support Attorney

A break-up with children can be an emotionally difficult time. Parents always want to do what is best for their kids, yet may not always know what decision to make. Decisions you make today will have a long-lasting effect on you and your entire family. Consult with the legal team at Johnson & Johnson, Ltd. We are experienced Orland Park child support attorneys that focus in family law. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.