CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEYS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHILD SUPPORT IN ILLINOIS
Whether it is being handled as part of a divorce or between unmarried parents, child support can raise many concerns and emotions. However, the Illinois guidelines for how child support is handled are straightforward. The income of each parent, the number of children, how many overnights a child spends with each parent and several other factors are taken into consideration. These numbers are entered into a formula and the amount of child support is calculated from there.
However, there may be additional factors to be considered that affect child support. When you are seeking answers about child support matters, our firm is here to help. Led by attorney Alyease Jones, also known as Lady Justice Chicago, our team at The Law Office of Alyease Jones tailors our family law services to suit your needs and goals.
MODIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
Once child support is established, it is important that both parents, whether divorced or unmarried, abide by the guidelines set forth in the court order. If the order is not followed, a parent may be in contempt and face legal consequences. Our firm handles the enforcement process if child support is not being paid as it should.
There are situations in which a parent’s life circumstances have drastically changed, requiring a modification to an existing order. If you do need to change the terms set in the child support order, you must go through the court to ensure that the changes are appropriate and enforceable. We have an in-depth understanding of the modification process and can guide you every step of the way.
PATERNITY AND CHILD SUPPORT
When a child is born as the product of a marriage, the husband is legally considered to be the father of the child. However, if the parents are unmarried at the time of the birth, there is no assumption made, and paternity must be established. Paternity can be established either by agreement between the parents, through an administrative order or through a court order.
It is important to establish paternity for a number of reasons. Once paternity is established, a child can have access to benefits including child support, health insurance, veterans benefits and more. This is essential, as the child should have financial support from both parents. In addition, the father’s name is added to the birth certificate and can be a starting place to build a father-child relationship.
WE CAN HELP YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AND OPTIONS
Take the first step forward today and get in touch with our firm. We are here to talk you through all the issues related to your child support, paternity or other family law case, and we work hard to ensure that your voice is heard. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office or use our online contact form.