Chicago Child Support Modification Attorneys
Helping Parents with Child Support Modification in Chicago
Parents in Chicago have rights and responsibilities regarding their children. Both parents have a duty to provide for their children financially, and the court may order one parent to make child support payments to the other. These orders are not necessarily set in stone. Circumstances in life can change, which may require a change in child support orders. Whether you are receiving or paying child support, you have a right to petition the court for modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have focused our practice exclusively on divorce and family law for more than three decades. Our Chicago family law attorneys are highly skilled in negotiating, litigating, and resolving complex financial and parental responsibilities issues. We are committed to client communication and dedicated to providing the highest caliber legal advice and counsel. Our firm is goal-oriented, and we put our clients first.
Contact us at (312) 332-2915 today to discuss your child support modification needs.
How Does Child Support Work in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, child support is calculated based on the combined net incomes of both parents. First, it is determined what percentage of the combined net income each parent’s net income represents. This data is then plugged into an income shares chart to determine the basic child support obligation. Then, this figure is multiplied by the percentages for each parent. The resulting numbers are each parent’s child support obligation. The number for the non-paying parent (typically the one with the majority of parenting time) is presumed to be already applied to the child. The number for the paying parent must be paid to the other parent.
What Are the Legal Criteria for Child Support Modification?
Parents may seek modification of child support orders provided there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Examples of substantial changes in circumstances that could lead to changes in child support include:
- Increase in income of paying parent
- Increase in ages, needs, or cost of living of children
- Involuntary pay cuts
- Being laid off from a job involuntarily
- Significant increase in parenting time
- Physical or mental disability
How Can You Initiate the Modification Process?
The process of modifying child support orders is initiated by filing a Petition for Child Support Modification with the court. You will be required to show evidence of a substantial change in circumstances. Our experienced Chicago child support modification attorneys can help you gather or obtain evidence to support your petition and skillfully argue your case to the judge.
New child support amounts are calculated based on the Illinois child support guidelines. Factors affecting child support include each parent’s percentage of the combined net income and the parenting time each parent spends with the child. Illinois courts may order child support payments that exceed state minimum requirements if it is determined to be in the child’s best interests.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Child Support Modification in Chicago?
If you are seeking child support modification in Chicago, your best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome is to have an experienced family law attorney handling your case. Your lawyer can provide clarity, effective mitigation, and informed solutions to the issues at hand.
The Chicago child support lawyers at Nottage and Ward, LLP, are here to guide you through the legal process of child support modification. We have decades of experience handling child support modification and the knowledge, skills, and resources to address pressing matters quickly and efficiently.
The Chicago Family Law Firm You Can Trust
At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we are invested in the work we do for our clients and strive to provide cost-effective legal services. If you’re a parent in Chicago and your child support orders need to be modified because of a substantial change in circumstances, contact us at (312) 332-2915 to discuss your situation. Let’s see how we can help.
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Client Reviews
5 Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for
Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated, emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest and the best interest of my son. She is always prompt in getting back to me and in keeping me well informed about my case.
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