Child support is an important way for parents to ensure that their children are financially secure after they go through divorce. In Illinois divorce courts can order that parents pay child support and those orders will generally stipulate how much and when those payments must be made. Before a child support order is issued, though, many considerations must be made to determine an appropriate amount.

Illinois courts use a set of guidelines to determine how much money a child should receive in support. Those guidelines include considerations related to the financial situation of the child, their custodial parent, and their noncustodial parent. Generally child support orders are applicable only to noncustodial parents as custodial parents are expected to provide for their kids while they are in their homes.

Child-specific considerations can cause courts to deviate from the state’s set guidelines. For example if a child has special needs, such as a medical condition or a learning deficiency, that child may be granted more support so that they can continue medical treatment or special education after their parents end their marriage. Finally, the standard of living that a child enjoyed during their parents’ marriage may be a factor considered when support is being determined.

While the factors mentioned in this post may be relevant in some child support cases, there are other considerations that may be applicable to specific child support petitions. It is important that individuals seek independent legal counsel so that they are prepared to find workable solutions to their children’s support needs. Family law attorneys are excellent resources for parents who are working through the many pieces of ending their marriages.