On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.
Child support can be modified at times if there is a material change in the financial circumstances of the parties, especially the parent obligated to pay. A job loss or reduction of income, or a substantial increase in income, additional dependents or other event may trigger a modification of support. Illinois parents who have gone through a divorcee and who have minor children should become familiar with the documentation needed.
There are several steps involved in the support modification process. The first step is to obtain current financial information. At minimum, tax returns showing all sources of income, a recent pay stub with year to date information, should be gathered. Documents reflecting the cost of medical insurance and receipts for payment of child care expenses should also be secured.
The Illinois child support guidelines have been modified as of July 1, 2017. The state has replaced method of calculating support from using only the payer’s income. Now, the guidelines will combine the net income of both parents to determine a total support figure. The paying parent will pay a percentage of the total figure based on the party’s percentage of the combined income. The change in calculation method may be a reason to modify a current support order. It is important to file a motion with the court as soon as possible after the income information is obtained.
Parents might want to have the assistance of an experienced family law attorney to modify their child support obligation, especially if they are unsure about how to use the guidelines or are unfamiliar with court procedures. They should know that even if a modification is granted, it will most likely not have any effect on past due amounts.
