Regardless of whether parents are in an intact relationship and living under one roof, both will have child support obligations under Illinois law. It is typically the nonresidential parent who will have to pay, as the residential parent is presumed to be contributing financially with the child living in his or her home.
However, beyond this general arrangement, the legal details under Illinois child support laws are far more complex. The state recently enacted legislation that implements a child support income shares model, which bases support obligations upon the financial situation the child would have enjoyed had parents remained together.
It is possible to determine approximately how much you will pay or receive, though you should trust a child support lawyer in Chicago to handle the specifics. A closer look at the child support income shares model calculator can give you a ballpark figure.
Overview of Child Support Income Shares Model
The starting off point for calculating support is consideration of BOTH parents’ incomes, instead of focusing on the payor’s ability to pay and the recipient’s need. Under the previous statute, the model was based upon a percentage of the obligor’s net income. The new approach employs two economic charts, including:
- Gross to Net Income Conversion Table. This chart applies standardized tax amounts when you input your monthly earnings, and then accounts for the number of children to be supported. Moving horizontally across the columns, you get the total monthly amount for the parent who has the duty to support.
- Income Shares Schedule Based on Net Income: This schedule determines the percentage shares by taking each parent’s income and dividing it by the combined total for both. The child support income shares model calculator then comes up with a monthly support amount for the number of children.
Sections of the Income Shares Calculator
Amounts from the two schedules mentioned above are pulled in when you insert basic information into the calculator, including:
- The number of children.
- Nights the children spend with the residential parent.
- Monthly income, including adjustments for spousal support and public benefits.
- Multi-family adjustments, where one parent is receiving or paying support for a child unrelated to the instant proceeding.
- The child’s health insurance. This section of the calculator requires you to insert information on whether insurance is “Provided,” whether through aid from the state or either one of the parents. The other option is indicating that insurance is “Available” when a parent has coverage but arrangements have not been made for the child.
Get Additional Details from a Child Support Lawyer in Schaumburg
An overview is useful for understanding the basics regarding Illinois’ child support income shares model, but it is wise to retain experienced legal counsel for assistance with your case. To learn more,
please contact Michael C. Craven at (312) 621-5234 or via our website to schedule a free consultation. Child support attorney Michael C. Craven can provide additional details and demonstrate the application of the child support income shares calculator to your unique situation.
