Clients often approach our Naperville child support attorneys asking about child support burdens that are too heavy or child support that is not being enforced. Our clients are dealing with overreaching ex-spouses or the need to better finance the needs of their children.
At Keller Legal Services, our child support attorneys work aggressively on behalf of all of our clients. We ensure that the child support guidelines are applied fairly and correctly. In doing so, we analyze these guidelines strategically in light of each client’s unique goals.
Our firm develops individual professional relationships with our clients. When child support agreements need to be prepared, we work closely with our clients so they know all of their legal options.
Knowing that they have been informed by a knowledgeable legal advisor who has their best interests at heart provides many of our clients with the confidence they need to make tough decisions. We work with our clients to consider issues such as:
During this process, we work proactively to address future changes in life circumstances. Our experienced child support lawyers regularly anticipate such concerns in carefully drafted divorce papers and in post-divorce support modifications.
Child support is financial assistance paid by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child, including expenses for food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care.
Child support in Illinois is calculated based on the Income Shares Model, which considers the combined income of both parents and the number of children. The Illinois Child Support Estimator tool can help provide an estimate of the child support obligation.
Factors include both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, childcare expenses, healthcare costs, and any special needs of the child.
Yes, child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment, or the child’s needs. Either parent can request a modification through the court.
If a parent fails to pay child support, enforcement actions can be taken, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s or professional licenses, and even legal action.
Child support typically lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. In some cases, support may continue for a longer period if the child has special needs or if the court orders it.
Child support payments are usually made through the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU) to ensure proper tracking and documentation. Direct payments are generally discouraged to maintain a clear record of payments.
Child support payments are not taxable income for the recipient and are not tax-deductible for the payer. However, other tax considerations, such as the dependency exemption, may apply.
Resources include the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Division of Child Support Services, legal aid organizations, and family law attorneys who can provide guidance and support.
Parents can work with legal professionals to ensure that child support calculations are accurate and fair. Keeping open communication and maintaining thorough records can also help address any issues that arise.
We invite potential clients to schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling 630-505-1515 or by contacting the firm here. We represent child support and family law clients in and around Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, and Bolingbrook, as well as throughout DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties.
We accept all major credit cards.
(Updated 2/10/2025)
