Illinois Congressman Walsh and Ex-Wife Reach Private Settlement in Child Support Battle

 Posted on May 06, 2012 in Family Law

Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh and his ex-wife have reportedly ended a highly publicized child support battle in private. According to AP reports, Walsh settled for an undisclosed amount in a private settlement, ending the battle.

In 2010, Walsh's ex- wife, Laura sued for about $117,000 owed in back child support and interest. After the suit was filed, Walsh faced a public relations nightmare when various blogs and media outlets dubbed him a “deadbeat dad.” After Walsh asked for the case to be dismissed, political opponents criticized him for engaging in election year politics.

Walsh's response was that from 2005-2010, his income dropped while his ex-wife began making more money. As a result, he argued that he was not responsible for paying the amount of child support asked for by Laura Walsh.

In Illinois, the amount of child support to be paid is governed by 750 ILCS 5/505. The guidelines for determining the amount paid in most cases are: The financial needs and resources of the child (or children), The financial needs and resources of the custodial parent, the standard of living the child or children would've enjoyed had the marriage not have been dissolved, the physical and emotional condition of the child and his educational needs, and the financial resources and needs of the non-custodial parent.

While courts use the above criteria to determine the amount of child support due, each case is unique. To determine the exact amount of child support due, it is important to consult an experienced Naperville, Illinois child support lawyer.