Securing Child Support Payments from Your Former Spouse

 Posted on March 08, 2019 in Family Law

When a couple begins the divorce process, it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. On one hand, a divorce can represent a new opportunity at happiness. On the other, a divorce is a separation from someone you once thought you would spend the rest of your life with. When children are involved, a divorce can be especially emotional. 

Child custody is one of the most important and contentious elements in a divorce. Custody (now called the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois) may be only part of the battle, as many spouses will attempt to avoid paying child support. If you are looking to secure child support payments from your former spouse, you need the help of a skilled and aggressive legal team. 

Child Support Statistics

According to a U.S Census Bureau report titled “Custodial Mothers and Fathers and their Child Support,” there are approximately 13.4 million single custodial parents throughout the United States. Of all the custodial parents, less than 49 percent have a child support agreement in place. Unfortunately, many of those parents never receive the payments they need to provide for their children. 

Of all single custodial parents who expected to receive child support payments, less than 46 percent of them received their payments in full. In other words, over half of all single parents did not get the money they planned to have in order to pay for expenses such as food, clothing, and school supplies. Even more alarming, 25 percent of single custodial parents received no child support at all.

Child Support Laws in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, child support payment plans are calculated through an “income shares” model established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The calculations are based on a number of criteria, including living expenses, the number of children, and the income of both parents. If you have secured a child support arrangement, and your former spouse is non-compliant, pursue legal action immediately with the help of a family law attorney.

Contact an Oak Park Child Support Lawyer

Preparing for life as a custodial parent can be stressful. Independent parenting is a full-time job that requires a significant amount of patience and care. No single parent should have to worry about whether they will have the necessary financial support to provide for their children. At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., our legal team is here to help you secure the child support you need to give your children the life they deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Hillside, IL family attorney, contact us today at 708-449-7400. 

Sources:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/us-child-support-statistics-2997994

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59