While it may take a village to raise a child, the more practical matter is that it takes money to raise a child. Children need love, of course, but they are dependent on their parents to provide them with the food, clothing, shelter, schooling, health care and all other aspects of a well-rounded childhood. Therefore, if a child’s parents are no longer in a relationship with one another, the noncustodial parent will usually be ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent.

Parents in Illinois, whether they are paying or receiving child support, should take note of some significant changes to the program that will become effective July 1. The formula for calculating child support has been overhauled, so that it is more in line with the formulas used in other states.

Under the new law, hard percentages for calculating child support will be eliminated. Instead, both of the child’s parents will need to provide the court with information about their net income. In addition, parenting time will also be considered. The goal, then, is to come up with an order for child support that is fair to both parents.

Some professionals believe that these changes will complicate child support matters. If each parent’s income is similar, this could mean that less child support is owed. Moreover, the more time the paying parent spends with the child, the less they may have to pay for child support. However, other professionals recognize while at first the application of the new laws will be a bit complicated, once the dust has settled, things will work out.

These changes could significantly impact child custody orders moving forward into the future. However, they may also result in child support orders that are more fair to both parents, while still providing for the child’s needs. Parents with questions about how these changes will affect them may want to seek the help of a family law attorney.

Source: wsiltv.com, “New child support law to take effect in Illinois,” March 21, 2017