Child Support/Maintenance
Child support can be established via a Court Order within divorce proceedings or between parents who were never married. Illinois follows an income shares approach to calculating child support. In other words, the incomes of both parents are considered. Additionally, Illinois has added a provision to alter the calculation if the parents enjoy a specified division of parenting time. That is currently, if the spouse that will be paying support is awarded more than forty percent of the total overnights available with the child, the support obligation is calculated using a different formula which results in lower payments.
Maintenance or spousal support, formerly known as alimony, is addressed only in dissolution proceedings. Maintenance is often used in cases where the divorcing couple have drastically different incomes or where one party has historically not worked outside the home. If maintenance is proper in the case, Illinois has provided guidelines for calculating the payments and for determining how long the support will be paid or received. Maintenance is also a common topic after the initial divorce proceedings have concluded in regards to modifying or terminating that obligation.
Reviewing and understanding your options for support, whether the first time or for modification purposes, will help in planning your financial future.
Maintenance or spousal support, formerly known as alimony, is addressed only in dissolution proceedings. Maintenance is often used in cases where the divorcing couple have drastically different incomes or where one party has historically not worked outside the home. If maintenance is proper in the case, Illinois has provided guidelines for calculating the payments and for determining how long the support will be paid or received. Maintenance is also a common topic after the initial divorce proceedings have concluded in regards to modifying or terminating that obligation.
Reviewing and understanding your options for support, whether the first time or for modification purposes, will help in planning your financial future.