What are the Grounds for Child Support Modification in Illinois?
Are you having trouble keeping up with your child support obligations? Does your existing child support order no longer fit the reality of your financial situation? It may be possible to have your child support order modified if your situation aligns with the statutory grounds for child support modification.
In Gurnee and surrounding Illinois communities, you can turn to Gravel & Wechter P.C. for help with all of your child support needs, including modification and enforcement. We will provide you with the dedicated assistance you need as you sort through issues of importance for you and your children.
Grounds for Child Support Modification
In Illinois, a parent can file for modification of child support if they can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the original child support order was entered. A substantial change in circumstances can include any of the following:
- Change in the income of either parent
- Change in expenses related to the care of the child
- Change in the child’s needs
- Change in the custody arrangement of the child
- Change in the cost of living
- Change in the availability of public assistance
If the court finds that there has been a substantial change in circumstances, they will enter an order that modifies the amount of child support payments. The court will always consider the best interest of the child when making a decision.
Get Help From an Experienced Family Law Attorney
When it comes to child support, it is important to make sure that your obligations are in alignment with your financial reality. To speak with an experienced lawyer about child support modification, call 847-855-8447 or submit a contact form today.
Common Concerns About the Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities here, along with general answers. Remember, every case is different — it is best to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. At Gravel & Wechter P.C., we believe there are no problems when it comes to custody, only solutions.
How can I get sole decision-making (sole custody)?
Sole decision-making refers to one parent making the decisions in the areas of education, religion, major medical, and extracurricular activities. The court will look at a number of factors when determining if a parent should be allocated sole decision making. These factors include but are not limited to the parents level of involvement in the children’s life, the level of cooperation between the two parents, and whether the parents have significant disagreements in these four major areas. When parents disagree on decision making, the courts may appoint a guardian at litem or order a full evaluation with a professional who will evaluate the situation and make a recommendation.
Who gets the kids on holidays?
In short, it depends. The court or the parents will create a parenting plan where issues like holidays are determined with the children’s best interests in mind. A common solution is to split holidays throughout the year and then alternate annually.
Do my children get to decide where they live?
No. However, an older child’s preference is given more weight over that of a younger child. A judge can overrule a parent’s decision if they determine it is not in the child’s best interest.
Do grandparents have visitation rights?
In Illinois, courts assume that a parent’s decision regarding time their children spend with grandparents is in the child’s best interest. In some cases, grandparents can file a petition for parenting time if they believe that the decision is unreasonable, but the burden is on the grandparent to prove time with a grandparent is in the child’s best interest. We can assist you in navigating these issues.
The courts require grandparents to show a need for parenting time, which comes from a specific list of requirements. Some reasons may be that a parent has been deceased or missing for three months, or is incarcerated.
What is Allocation of Parental Responsibility in Illinois?
In Illinois, the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities is the legal process determining which parent will have decision-making authority and parenting time with their child. The court will consider various factors when making this determination, including the child’s age, health, and relationship with each parent. The court may also consider any history of abuse or neglect. Ultimately, the goal is to make a decision that is in the child’s best interests.
Schedule a Initial Consultations at No Charge to Learn More
We are committed to providing clients with realistic expectations. To schedule a meeting with an experienced family lawyer, call our office in Gurnee at 847-321-7474 or send us an email.