Child Support Lawyers – Joliet & Plainfield, IL

Child support is one of the most important and sometimes most disputed issues in an Illinois divorce or family law case. Whether you are seeking child support, have been ordered to pay support, need to modify an existing order, or are dealing with unpaid support, having an experienced Illinois family law attorney can help protect your rights and your child's financial well-being.

At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., our experienced family law attorneys represent parents in child support matters throughout Will County and the surrounding communities. With convenient offices in Joliet and Plainfield, Illinois, we provide knowledgeable legal representation to parents facing both straightforward and complex child support issues. Our goal is to help ensure child support is calculated fairly under Illinois law while considering both parents' financial circumstances and their children's needs.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?

Illinois uses an income shares model to determine child support. Rather than basing support solely on the income of the paying parent, the calculation generally considers both parents' income.

Under Illinois child support guidelines, the calculation begins by determining each parent's monthly net income. The parents' net incomes are combined, and the applicable basic child support obligation is determined based on the combined income and number of children. Each parent's percentage share of the combined income is then used in allocating responsibility for supporting the children. While the guidelines provide a framework, every family's financial circumstances are different. Self-employment, bonuses, commissions, overtime, investment income, multiple households, or other income sources can make determining the appropriate child support obligation more complicated.

Our attorneys can review the financial information in your case and help ensure we consider the proper income and expenses. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Parenting Time & Child Support

The amount of parenting time each parent receives can also affect an Illinois child support calculation. Illinois law provides a separate calculation for situations involving shared physical care. Because parenting schedules can significantly affect the amount of support ultimately ordered, it is important to evaluate child support and parenting time together rather than treating them as completely separate issues.

Our Joliet and Plainfield family law attorneys can help you understand how your parenting schedule may affect your child support obligation.

Expenses Beyond Basic Child Support

Raising a child involves much more than basic household expenses. Depending upon the circumstances, an Illinois court may address additional expenses beyond the basic child support obligation.

Expenses Such As:

• Childcare and daycare costs
• Health insurance and medical expenses
• Uninsured or extraordinary medical expenses
• School and educational expenses
• Extracurricular activities
• Sports and other activities
• Other reasonable expenses associated with the child's needs

Determining how to divide these costs between parents can become a source of disagreement. We work with our clients to pursue arrangements that are reasonable, practical, and consistent with Illinois law.

Child Support Modifications in Illinois

A child support order that was appropriate several years ago may no longer reflect a family's current financial circumstances. A parent may lose a job, receive a substantial raise, change careers, or experience another significant financial change. When circumstances warrant it, a parent may seek a modification of child support. Potential reasons for requesting a modification can include a substantial change in a parent's income, changes in employment, changes in the child's financial needs, or other significant changes in circumstances.

It is important not to stop paying or independently reduce court-ordered child support because your financial situation has changed. Until the court modifies the existing order, the current obligation generally remains enforceable. Our attorneys can help determine whether you have grounds to seek a modification and guide you through the appropriate legal process.

Enforcement of Unpaid Child Support

When a parent fails to make required child support payments, the unpaid support can create serious financial difficulties for the parent who relies on those payments to care for the child.

The Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can help parents enforce an existing child support order and recover unpaid support.

Likewise, if you are accused of failing to comply with a support order, you should address the matter promptly. Ignoring the issue can make the situation more difficult and potentially expose you to additional enforcement proceedings. Our attorneys represent clients on both sides of child support disputes and work to resolve these matters efficiently whenever possible.

Child Support & Self-Employed Parents

Determining income can become particularly challenging when one or both parents are self-employed, own a business, receive commissions or bonuses, or have income that fluctuates significantly from year to year. A tax return alone may not always tell the complete financial story.

At the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C., we understand the importance of carefully reviewing financial documents when income is disputed. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve reviewing tax returns, business records, pay statements, bank records, and other relevant financial information to determine the income that should properly be considered for child support purposes.

Protecting Your Children & Your Financial Future

Child support disputes can become emotional because they directly affect both a parent's finances and a child's quality of life. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we work to keep the focus on reaching a fair resolution under Illinois law. Whether you are going through a divorce, establishing support for the first time, seeking a modification, or enforcing an existing child support order, we can help you understand your options and develop an appropriate legal strategy.

We Handle Child Support Matters Involving:

• Initial child support determinations
• Divorce and child support
• Child support modifications
• Child support enforcement
• Unpaid child support and arrears
• Shared parenting arrangements
• Disputed or complicated income
• Self-employed parents
• Childcare and medical expenses
• Educational and extracurricular expenses
• High-income parents
• Changes in employment or income

When a child support issue affects your family, you need an attorney who understands both the Illinois child support guidelines and the individual circumstances that can affect your case. Whether you expect to receive child support or may be required to pay it, our attorneys can help you understand how Illinois law applies to your situation and advocate for a fair outcome.

Speak With an Experienced Illinois Child Support Attorney

If you have questions about child support in Illinois, do not wait until a disagreement becomes a larger legal or financial problem. Contact the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. to discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney. The Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. has two convenient locations in Joliet and Plainfield, Illinois, allowing us to serve parents throughout Will County and surrounding communities, including Shorewood, Crest Hill, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Lockport, New Lenox, Channahon, Morris, and Yorkville.

Call (815) 666-1285 today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Illinois child support lawyer.