Child Support Calculation in Illinois

 Posted on October 04,2013 in Family Law

NOTE: As of July 2017, the laws that determine how child support payments are calculated in Illinois have changed. Please see our child support page for more information.

With divorce on the rise since the 1970s according to The Future of Children organization from Princeton University, more people than ever need to know about child support. The organization reported that nearly one million couples have divorced every year since the late 1970s.

As a basis for child support calculations, the payments are calculated based on the income of the non-custodial parent and the number of children.

• For one child, 20 percent of the income will go to child support
• For two children, 28 percent must be paid
• Three children require 32 percent
• Four children require 40 percent
• Five children require 45 percent
• Six children or more require 50 percent

These percentages are calculated from the non-custodial parent’s net income, which includes all income after deductions are made. Deductions included are federal and state income taxes, social security, union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, some medical expenses and important debts.

If the court cannot determine the net income for some reason, the court will decide on an amount they it sees fit to the particular case. In administrative cases, a standard amount is used based on the minimum wage of the state.

This simple rule is applied to every child support case, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Factors that may alter the amount of child support are:

• Financial resources and needs of the custodial parent
• Financial resources and needs of the child(ren), such as special assistance to physical or mental handicaps
• Any standard living conditions that the child would have if the marriage had not been dissolved
• Financial resources and needs of the non-custodial parent

If you are going through a divorce or a separation and you are concerned about child support, contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices. With locations in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville, Illinois, our attorneys are available to help you through your divorce and child support settlement today.