When Complex Divorce And Family Law Matters Must Be Handled Right, People Turn To Us

When Complex Divorce And Family Law Matters Simply Must Be Handled Right, People Turn To Us

Making Important Decisions About Child Support

Last updated on May 11, 2026

Each parent has a duty to provide financial support for their children. Child support is the monetary payment that a parent may be required to pay to the other parent for the benefit of the child. The amount of child support a parent owes in any individual case will vary based on multiple different factors.

At Taege Law Offices, our Chicago child support lawyers have the skills and experience needed to represent Illinois parents in the full range of child support cases. We are prepared to protect your financial interests.

To schedule a free, fully confidential review of your child support case, please contact our law office today.

Understanding The Illinois Child Support Guidelines

Child support is determined by the ‘income shares child support guidelines’ model. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services created the worksheets and schedules used to determine child support.

Prior to July of 2017, child support was set based on a percentage of the obligor’s net income and the number of children involved in the case. Now, child support is a more complicated calculation.

The ‘income shares’ model requires that the total amount of financial support provided by each parent be calculated based on their collective income. Then, each parent’s share of the support will be calculated relative to each other. In other words, the income of the parent receiving child support is a factor in determining the award. To give parents a general idea of how the guidelines will apply to their case, here is a free child support estimator.

While the standard Illinois child support guidelines apply to most cases, Illinois family law courts have the authority to consider extraordinary circumstances when setting child support.

The court may deviate upward or downward from the child support guidelines. In addition, the court may require either or both parties to contribute to additional child-related expenses including but not limited to, educational, health care, extracurricular and day care expenses.

Child Support Services We Offer

Our Chicago family law attorneys handle the full range of child support cases. No matter the specific nature of your case, our legal team is prepared to protect your parental rights and your financial interests.

Specific examples of issues that our Chicago child support lawyers are prepared to handle include:

Initial requests for payment of child support
Establishment of paternity to obtain child support
Negotiation of a child support settlement
Enforcement of a child support order
Modification of child support obligations

We also handle child support cases involving unique and complex issues. If you believe that the child support guidelines are inappropriate for your individual case, whether due to the health and educational needs of your child, or for any other reason, our legal team is prepared to help.

Child Support FAQs

Will Child Support Be Awarded?
When Can Child Support Be Changed Or Modified?
What Enforcement Actions Can Illinois Courts Take If Child Support Payments Are Not Made?
What Should I Do If I Can No Longer Afford My Child Support Payments Due To Financial Hardship?
Can Child Support In Illinois Continue Past The Age Of 18? If So, Under What Circumstances?
What Steps Should I Take If The Other Parent Is Interfering With My Visitation Rights And I Am Considering Withholding Child Support?

Will Child Support Be Awarded?

Child support in Illinois depends on the financial situation of the parent. Illinois courts use an income shares model. This model takes into consideration both parents’ income, the time the child or children spend with each parent and each parent’s ability to provide for their children. The court uses a guideline, but because every case is different, the court may deviate from the guideline when this change is in the best interest of the child or children. Child support is paid until the child is out of high school, up to age 19. A court may also order one or both parents to contribute to or pay college expenses. We can help ensure you are paying or receiving the correct amount of support.

When Can Child Support Be Changed Or Modified?

Child support is income-based. If one parent’s income significantly changes, then this will likely affect the amount of child support either paid or received. When a major change in income occurs, you must seek a modification of support through the court. We can help you understand what to do and what is likely to happen in your particular situation.

What Enforcement Actions Can Illinois Courts Take If Child Support Payments Are Not Made?

If someone misses child support payments in Illinois, courts have several measures they can take, including:

Wage garnishment: They may withhold income by ordering employers to deduct payments directly from wages.
Contempt orders: They can also hold the nonpaying parent in contempt of court, which might lead to fines or jail time.
Tax refund offsets: The state can intercept tax refunds to put toward child support.
License suspension: Courts have the option of suspending driver’s, professional and recreational licenses.
Liens: Courts might place liens on the delinquent parent’s property.
Credit bureau reporting: Finally, the court could report the missed payments to credit agencies, affecting credit scores.

These actions aim to ensure compliance with child support orders and the well-being of the children involved.

What Should I Do If I Can No Longer Afford My Child Support Payments Due To Financial Hardship?

If you face financial hardship and struggle to make child support payments, you need to act promptly. You can contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) or the court that issued the child support order to inform them of your situation. You may file a petition for a modification of the child support order, explaining your changed circumstances. The court will review your case and may adjust your payments. Do not stop or reduce payments without court approval; this could lead to enforcement actions against you.

Can Child Support In Illinois Continue Past The Age Of 18? If So, Under What Circumstances?

In Illinois, child support can continue past the age of 18 under certain conditions. If the child is still attending high school, support may extend until they graduate or turn 19 – whichever comes first. Support can also continue beyond 18 if the child has special needs that warrant ongoing assistance. Additionally, courts can order support for educational expenses for a child attending college or vocational school until the child turns 23 (or 25, in some circumstances). These educational expenses can include tuition, housing and books.

What Steps Should I Take If The Other Parent Is Interfering With My Visitation Rights And I Am Considering Withholding Child Support?

If the other parent is interfering with your visitation rights, withholding child support is not a recommended course of action. Child support and visitation rights are separate issues in the eyes of the law. Withholding payments can result in legal penalties against you. Instead, document instances of visitation interference and seek legal counsel. You may need to file a petition with the court to enforce your visitation rights. The court may take steps to address the interference, ensuring that your rights are respected while maintaining your obligation to provide child support.

Contact Our Chicago Child Support Lawyers Today

At Taege Law Offices, our divorce attorneys in Chicago have extensive experience handling complex child support cases. If you are in a dispute over child support, we will protect your legal rights and financial interests.

For a free, fully confidential review of your case, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today at 312-667-7706.