Child Support Representation
Last updated on April 16, 2026
At Gauthier Family Law in Vernon Hills, it is our mission that no child is left in financial peril because they are not living with both of their parents. We provide firm guidance to parents who need to establish or amend a child support order in Northern Illinois. Your children’s future is assured in our hands.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Illinois?
Child support is generally ordered when one parent has sole allocation of parental responsibilities due to divorce or separation, or if the parents are unmarried and the other parent does not share parental responsibilities. The level of support paid depends on a formula Illinois family courts use based on the parents’ combined net income. Sources of income include:
- Income from working
- Overtime and holiday pay
- Court-ordered spousal support payments
However, public assistance benefits and child support received for other children in the household do not count as income for this purpose.
Child Support Enforcement And Modifications Lawyer
The purpose of child support is to pay for the child’s expenses such as:
- School tuition
- Medical expenses
- Disability accommodation, if necessary
An official child support order has the force of law behind it, which gives the custodial parent the right to pursue an enforcement action if the noncustodial parent falls behind on payments. Gauthier Family Law represents parents in child support enforcement matters as well as post-order modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing child support, many questions and concerns come up, especially as families go through different stages of life. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions. Laws and requirements can feel overwhelming, but by breaking down key points, you can get a clearer picture of what to expect in different situations.
Below are some of the most common questions families ask about child support in Illinois.
Do you still have to pay child support if the child goes to college?
In Illinois, child support usually continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, Illinois law does allow courts to order parents to help with college expenses, even after the child becomes an adult. This is not automatic. Either parent can request support for college costs, and the court will consider factors such as the financial resources of both parents, the child’s resources and the child’s academic performance before making a decision.
What happens if a parent does not pay child support?
If a parent does not pay court-ordered child support, there can be serious legal consequences. The other parent can ask the court to enforce the order. The court may take actions such as garnishing wages, suspending a driver’s license, intercepting tax refunds or even holding the nonpaying parent in contempt of court. Failing to pay child support can also impact credit scores and, in extreme cases, may lead to jail time.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?
Having equal parenting time does not automatically mean that no child support will be ordered. The court looks at both parents’ incomes, the amount of time each parent spends with the child and other expenses. If there is a significant difference in incomes, one parent may still be required to pay child support to help ensure the child’s needs are met.
Can child support be modified in Illinois?
Yes, child support orders can be changed if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This could include a change in income, a change in the child’s needs or a change in parenting time. Either parent can ask the court to review and modify the order.
You can reach out to our attorneys at Gauthier Family Law if you have questions regarding child support in Illinois.
Legal Consultations About Child Support
Gauthier Family Law offers initial consultations to all parents dealing with a child support matter. We serve clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Lake and McHenry counties. To schedule an appointment with attorney Michael Gauthier, please call 847-327-0898 or visit our Contact page.