Illinois Child Support Guidelines

Child support is a crucial aspect of family law, ensuring the welfare of children when parents are not residing together. In Illinois, child support guidelines, mandated by law, play a pivotal role in determining the support amounts for minor children. Every four years, these guidelines undergo a review to ensure their effectiveness and fairness.

assault and battery attorney cook county
Aspects and Key Points
Aspect Key Points
Income Shares Model 2019 introduction and impact on child support calculations
Parental Agreement and Rights Guidelines for parental agreement and child's rights in support matters
Calculation Resources Available resources for calculating child support in Illinois
Legal Assistance How Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. can assist in child support cases

The 2019 Shift to Income Shares Model

A significant change occurred in 2019 with the introduction of the "Income Shares" model, which aligns with the "Families First" policy. This model, a departure from previous methods, considers both parents' incomes in calculating child support. It marks a substantial shift in addressing shared parenting arrangements, modifying child support calculations to a more equitable and income-based approach.

Parental Agreements and Child Rights

While parents in Illinois can agree on a child support amount, these agreements must adhere to the state guidelines. This requirement underscores a critical point: the right to receive support belongs to the child, not the parents. Hence, any parental agreement on child support is scrutinized to ensure it meets the state's guidelines and serves the child's best interests.

Resources for Calculating Child Support

To assist in the complex process of calculating child support, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services provides detailed guidelines. These include worksheets and a table that indicate the percentage of combined net income typically spent on children by parents living together. These resources are invaluable for parents and legal professionals in determining fair child support amounts.

Dealing with child support can be challenging, especially when considering the legal and emotional aspects involved. Our firm’s extensive experience in family law, including child custody laws in Illinois, grounds for divorce in Illinois, and divorce process steps in Illinois, provides for expert guidance and representation in child support cases. Our expertise ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, keeping the best interests of your child at the forefront.


Child Support Adjustments and Modifications

Child support guidelines in Illinois are not static; they may require adjustments or modifications based on changing circumstances. Whether due to changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child, we can assist in navigating these modifications. Our expertise in child support guidelines in Illinois ensures that adjustments are made in compliance with the law, while also considering the child's evolving needs.

Understanding the Impact on Shared Parenting

The "Income Shares" model introduced in 2019 has a significant impact on shared parenting arrangements. It provides a more balanced approach, taking into account the income of both parents. This model aims to maintain a standard of living for the child that is consistent with what they would have experienced if the parents lived together. For parents involved in shared custody arrangements, understanding this model is crucial. Our legal guidance can provide clarity and guidance in such situations, ensuring that child support determinations are fair and equitable.

Child support cases can become complex, especially when involving high-asset individuals, self-employed parents, or parents residing in different states. Our firm’s experience in high-asset divorce in Illinois and understanding of intricate financial situations positions us uniquely to handle such complexities. We ensure that child support calculations accurately reflect each parent's financial situation, thereby protecting the child's right to adequate support.

Additional Family Law Services

Beyond child support, Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. offers a wide range of family law services. These include handling uncontested divorces, Illinois domestic violence defense, and advising on prenuptial agreements in Illinois. Our comprehensive approach to family law ensures that clients receive the necessary support and representation in various legal matters.

Comprehensive Real Estate and Estate Planning Services

In addition to family law, our firm offers extensive services in real estate and estate planning. Our real estate legal services include Illinois real estate financing, property disclosure, and handling Illinois title deed issues. In the realm of estate planning, we can assist with living trusts in Illinois, updating estate plans, and understanding inheritance laws in Illinois.

The Broader Scope of Family Law Services

Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. offers a comprehensive range of legal services beyond child support. Our expertise extends to various aspects of family law, such as alimony in Illinois, property division during divorce, and high-asset divorce scenarios in Illinois. Additionally, we provide counsel on prenuptial agreements and divorce tax implications, catering to all facets of family law needs.

Real estate matters are another area of specialization for Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. We offer guidance and legal services for Illinois property buying and selling, commercial real estate, and real estate closings. Our expertise covers zoning laws, property tax issues, and real estate contracts, providing a full suite of services for any real estate legal needs.

Estate Planning and Probate

Estate planning is another critical area where Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. excels. We offer comprehensive services for drafting wills in Illinois, setting up various types of trusts, and navigating estate taxes in Illinois. We regularly handle power of attorney arrangements, the probate process, healthcare directives, and strategies for avoiding probate in Illinois. Our legal services ensure that your estate planning needs are met with thoroughness and foresight.

Partnering with Maksimovich & Associates, P.C.

Child support in Illinois can be complex and emotionally taxing. Maksimovich & Associates, P.C. stands ready to provide expert legal assistance, ensuring that child support determinations are fair, compliant with state guidelines, and in the best interests of the child. With our comprehensive range of services in family law, real estate, and estate planning, we are a valuable partner for all your legal needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.