Best Illinois Child Support Attorneys

Child support is calculated based on a formula established by the jurisdiction’s family law statutes. The method for calculating child support can vary across jurisdictions, as laws can vary significantly. Many jurisdictions provide online calculators or worksheets to help parents estimate child support amounts. Generally, child support is calculated by considering:

• Income of Both Parents
• Child Custody Arrangements
• Number of Children
• Child’s Expenses
• Standard of Living
• Special Needs or Extraordinary Expenses
• State Guidelines

Child support orders are typically tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the child and financial capabilities of the parents. Expenses cover a wide range of areas associated with raising a child. Common categories of expenses that child support may cover include:

• Basic Necessities
• Housing Costs
• Educational Expenses
• Childcare and Babysitting
• Healthcare Costs
• Extracurricular Activities
• Transportation Expenses
• Special Needs of Disability Expenses
• Entertainment and Recreation
• College or Higher Education Costs

Yes, child support orders can be modified. The ability to modify the order depends on the laws of the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the parent and child. Common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:

• Change in Income
• Change in Custody or Visitation
• Change in Expenses or Financial Needs
• Healthcare Changes
• Relocation
• Loss of Benefits or Tax Credits
• Legal Changes

Failure to make child support payments can result in legal consequences and specific actions taken depend on the laws of the jurisdiction where the child support order was issued. Common consequences for non-payment of child support may include:

• Legal Enforcement Actions
• Wage Garnishment
• Seizure of Assets
• Leins on Property
• Driver’s License Suspension
• Professional or Occupational License Suspension
• Passport Denial or Revocation
• Contempt of Court
• Modification of Support Order
• Criminal Charges

Because laws vary across jurisdictions, it's important to learn about the law to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

Articles -

Child Support Basics - FindLaw

Child Support Guidelines - FindLaw

Child Support Modification - FindLaw

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In Illinois, a general estimate of the per-hour cost for a lawyer can range from about $130 to $400 per hour, depending on location, expertise and the complexity of the case in question.

In some cases, attorneys may opt to offer clients a flat-rate fee instead of a per-hour fee. This typically arises in criminal defense law as well as certain divorce court proceedings. A fee for a misdemeanor defense is usually far less than the flat fee for a felony defense. Representation on issues related to juvenile offenses and traffic offenses may cost you less than the representation on situations involving corporate law or bankruptcies.

Finally, certain lawyers, such as personal injury lawyers, typically offer clients representation based on contingency. If you win a settlement from such a case, such as slipping and falling at a business establishment and incurring a serious injury, your personal injury lawyer will retain a percentage of your total settlement, rather than charging you any per-hour or flat-rate fees.

If you cannot afford representation in a legal matter, legal aid may be an option to consider.

What Types of Cases Can an Illinois Lawyer Help With?

While an Illinois lawyer can take on cases of any sort, the most common criminal cases in Illinois involve simple assault or aggravated assault, sexual assault, violations of the Controlled Substances Act, burglary (business and residential), driving while under the influence (DUI) and severe violent crime such as homicide and armed robbery.

Illinois lawyers are also typically called upon to represent parties in marital disputes leading to divorce or separation, the custody battles common to such cases, and other civil proceedings.