Glen Ellyn, Illinois Child Support Lawyers

Dedicated Attorneys Helping Establish Child Support Arrangements in Glen Ellyn

Parents have several obligations toward their children that do not end when a romantic relationship does. Nurturing and guiding them will always be important, but many of a child's needs require money. Food, clothing, and shelter are basic needs, but those expenses represent only a portion of the financial output needed to help children as they grow. It is sometimes challenging for couples to pay for their children's needs and wants, and that challenge can be more significant when parents separate or divorce. Child support payments will typically be put in place to make sure parents will share those financial burdens.

Whether you are an unmarried parent seeking child support or are in the process of a legal separation or divorce, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your and your children's best interests. At Goostree Law Group, we are meticulous, ensuring that child support calculations are accurate reflections of your children's financial needs and your ability to contribute. Challenges may arise, but we can help you overcome them. A standardized approach may not work, so we adapt our guidance and counsel to reflect your circumstances and goals.

Calculating Child Support in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Illinois now uses an income-sharing model to calculate child support obligations. First, a basic support obligation is determined. That amount should reflect the average monthly expenditures to address your children's financial needs. The number of shared children you have and the combined monthly income of both parents are factors that will be considered in these calculations.

You and your co-parent probably do not earn the same amount of money. The basic support obligation will be divided proportionally by the percentage each parent contributes to your combined income. If one parent has significantly more parenting time, he or she will likely receive child support from the other.

Aside from basic expenses, there are other costs you may need to consider, including:

• Healthcare insurance premium payments
• Childcare
• Out-of-pocket medical costs
• Extracurricular activities expenses

Educational costs may also need to be addressed, particularly if your children attend a private school. College expenses may also need to be considered.

Potential Glen Ellyn Child Support Challenges

Sadly, not every parent feels the need to support their children financially. You may be dealing with a co-parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed in hopes of dodging that obligation. We can present a strong case to the court on your behalf, seeking a reasonable child support amount based on each parent's earning capacity.

You could be an unwed mother seeking child support from the biological father. If legal paternity is not established, the father does not have any obligation to pay child support. We can help you establish paternity and pursue child support.

Your ex may be asking you for child support for a child you do not believe is yours. We can assist you in disputing that claim.

Your co-parent may not pay the child support payments as outlined in your court orders. Those orders are enforceable, with penalties for non-payment. We can help you gain the court's assistance to keep those payments on track and recover the amount that is owed.

You might be the parent expected to pay child support. Unanticipated changes in your life may have made you unable to continue paying the required amount. We can help you request modifications to your court orders as needed.

In some cases, the standard child support calculation methods may not work well. For instance, high-income couples and parents of children with special needs may need to deviate from the standards. We can help you devise a child support structure based on your specific circumstances.

Contact Our Glen Ellyn, IL Child Support Attorneys

No matter your situation, disputes over child support can arise. Goostree Law Group can help you resolve them through negotiations, mediation, or litigation. Call us at 630-584-4800 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.