Growing Trend May Lead to Child Support Filing

 Posted on October 18, 2013 in Divorce

Premarital cohabitation is growing trend among couples in the United States. While this trend may not always lead to wedded bliss, it can result in pregnancy. And, if the couple decides to split, one or both parents may eventually file for child support. Between 2006 and 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted The National Survey of Family Growth, and interviewed 12,279 women. The survey focused on the “trends and patterns in first premarital cohabitations among women aged 15–44 in the United States.” Nearly half of the women interviewed chose premarital cohabitation over marriage. Close to 20 percent reported a pregnancy within a year of moving in, for the first time, with a significant other. The survey also noted that 27 percent of the cohabitation unions ended within the first three years. While premarital cohabitation is one example that can result in procreation, it is not the only one. A pregnancy can occur under several circumstances, and when the parents are not together, one or both may eventually file for child support. Once a parent files, the other parent “may be required to attend a hearing and testify to a variety of questions,” as indicated by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The hearing, conducted by the child support services department or a judge in court, will require the non-filing parent to answer a series of questions. Child Support Questions May Include:

• Marital status
• The number of children involved in the case
• Employment
• Income
• Living expenses
• Insurance coverage

In Illinois, specific guidelines are set regarding child support payments. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act designates a child support payment amount based on the number of children in the family and total net income. Additional expenses may also be added to support payments, including health insurance costs and daycare expenses. While representatives assigned to child support cases will try to answer any concerns a parent may have, they are unable to provide legal advice. If you have questions regarding child support and seek legal advice, please contact an Illinois child support attorney.