Four Reasons to Modify Your Child Support Order

In cases in which parents are unmarried or have gone through a divorce, child support orders help to ensure children are provided for. There are clear legal guidelines that indicate the amounts of child support that should be paid. Once an order is in place, it must be followed. However, there are situations in which a modification may be required. The following outlines four common reasons to seek this type of legal action with the help of an experienced child support attorney.  

Undisclosed Income

Under Illinois child support guidelines, the amount of income reported by each parent is a major factor in these proceedings. Unfortunately, there are cases in which parents may attempt to evade their financial responsibilities by attempting to hide or otherwise not disclose income. Working ‘under the table’ or having unreported business and investment income are all common ways in which this may occur. Our child support attorney can work with you in the gathering evidence needed to show this income and modify the amount paid.

Changes in Parent’s Earnings

As your child support is based partly on your income, any substantial changes in earnings could merit a modification. This includes situations in which the other parent may have gotten a raise or a better paying job, meriting additional support. It may also apply if you suffer a drop in your income due to an illness, job loss, or having to reduce the number of hours you work as a result of caring for the child.

Changes in Child’s Expenses

Under the Illinois Statutes (750 ILCS 5/510), you may request a modification of an existing order if there are substantial changes in the child’s expenses, such as when there is a need to provide health insurance for them. Other situations that may warrant a change include having to cover private school costs, arrange for tutoring, or providing additional care for special needs.

Changes in the Situation

Child support is based on the custody arrangements in place at the time and under the assumption that the other parent will make payments. If they fail to uphold their end in either regard, you can go back to court and request changes to reflect the situation.

Let Our Chicago Child Support Attorneys Assist You

Our Illinois child custody lawyers can assist you in making compelling arguments in favor of modifications and in gathering the evidence needed to present before the court. To discuss these options in your particular case, request a free, no-obligation consultation and contact the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group today.