Chicago Child Support Attorney
Securing Your Child's Financial Future in Cook County
Raising a child is one of life's greatest joys, but it is also a significant financial responsibility. Whether you are seeking to establish a support order to provide for your child's needs or need to ensure that an existing obligation is calculated fairly, the outcome of your child support case will directly impact your family's standard of living for years to come.
At The Elite Law Group, we believe that every child deserves the financial stability necessary to thrive. We also believe that every parent deserves to be treated with fairness and respect within the legal system. Under the guidance of our founder, Schylon Lane , our firm is dedicated to providing premium family law advocacy for Chicago families.
Our mission is to deliver exceptional and reputable legal care, ensuring every client receives the highest quality representation at a fair price. We understand that financial disputes are often stressful and emotionally charged. That is why we strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients through compassionate, personalized service.
Understanding Illinois Child Support Laws
In Illinois, child support is not arbitrary. It is a legal right of the child, and the state has established strict guidelines to determine the appropriate amount. However, arriving at the correct number is rarely as simple as plugging figures into a calculator. It requires a deep understanding of the law and a meticulous analysis of family finances.
The "Income Shares" Model
Illinois utilizes the "Income Shares" model for calculating child support. The philosophy behind this model is simple: a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents had stayed together.
Under this model, the court considers the combined net income of both parents. This combined amount is then cross-referenced with the state's schedule of basic child-rearing costs to determine the total support obligation. That total obligation is then divided between the parents based on their respective percentage of the combined income.
While the formula is standardized, the inputs are not. Disputes often arise regarding:
Determining True Net Income: Identifying all sources of revenue, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime.
Self-Employment: Properly calculating income for business owners who may deduct personal expenses or have irregular cash flow.
Voluntary Unemployment: Addressing situations where a parent intentionally earns less to avoid paying support.
The Impact of Parenting Time
(Shared Parenting)
Child support and child custody (parenting time) are inextricably linked. In Illinois, if each parent cares for the child for at least 146 overnights per year (approximately 40% of the time), the court applies a "Shared Parenting" calculation.
In these cases, the child support obligation is adjusted to reflect the fact that both parents are contributing to the child's daily expenses (food, shelter, transportation) directly. At The Elite Law Group, we carefully analyze parenting schedules to ensure the support calculation accurately reflects the reality of your co-parenting arrangement.
Beyond the Basic Obligation: "Add-On" Expenses
The basic child support figure is designed to cover food, clothing, and shelter. However, raising a child in Chicago involves many other costs. A comprehensive child support order must address these "add-on" expenses to prevent future conflicts.
We advocate for detailed orders that clearly allocate responsibility for:
Health Insurance & Medical Costs: Premiums, co-pays, and unreimbursed medical, dental, and orthodontic expenses.
Childcare: Daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps required for the parents to work.
Education: School fees, uniforms, books, and private school tuition.
Extracurricular Activities: The costs associated with sports, music lessons, and clubs, which are vital for a child's development.
Establishing Paternity and Support
For unmarried parents, the path to child support begins with establishing parentage. You cannot obtain a support order—and a father cannot obtain parenting time—until legal paternity is established.
Whether you are a mother needing financial help or a father seeking to formalize his rights and responsibilities, The Elite Law Group can guide you through the process. We assist with:
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP): Advising on the implications of signing the VAP at the hospital.
DNA Testing: Coordinating court-ordered genetic testing to confirm biological parentage.
Retroactive Support: Petitioning the court for support dating back to the child's birth or the filing of the petition.
Modification of Child Support
A child support order is a snapshot of your finances at a single moment in time. But life is dynamic. People lose jobs, get promoted, remarry, or suffer health setbacks. As children grow, their needs change as well.
If you have experienced a "substantial change in circumstances," you may be eligible to modify your existing child support order.
When to Seek a Modification
Income Changes: A significant increase or involuntary decrease in either parent's income.
Parenting Schedule Changes: A shift in custody arrangements that affects the "146 overnight" threshold.
Emancipation: When an older child turns 18 or graduates from high school, support does not automatically adjust for the remaining children; you must file a petition to modify.
College Expenses: Illinois law allows courts to order divorced parents to contribute to "non-minor support" for college tuition, room, and board.
At The Elite Law Group, we handle post-decree modifications with the same rigor as initial filings. We move quickly to file your petition, as modifications are typically only retroactive to the date of filing, not the date the change occurred.
Contempt and Enforcement
A court order is not a suggestion; it is a mandate. When a parent refuses to pay court-ordered child support, it places an unfair burden on the custodial parent and deprives the child of necessary resources.
The Elite Law Group provides aggressive representation in Contempt and Enforcement proceedings. We utilize every legal tool available to collect unpaid support (arrears), including:
Wage Garnishments: Withholding income directly from the payor’s paycheck.
License Suspension: Petitioning to suspend driver’s licenses or professional licenses.
Tax Intercepts: Seizing state and federal tax refunds.
Rule to Show Cause: Asking the court to hold the non-paying parent in contempt, which can result in fines or jail time.
Conversely, if you have fallen behind on payments due to legitimate financial hardship, we can help you defend against contempt charges and negotiate a manageable payment plan to get you back on track.
Forensic Investigation & Financial Disclosure
In high-stakes or high-conflict cases, a parent may attempt to hide income to lower their support obligation. They might underreport cash income, delay bonuses, or funnel personal expenses through a business.
We believe in equal access to justice and transparency. Our firm utilizes Forensic Investigation & Financial Disclosure techniques to uncover the truth. We work to trace hidden assets and income, ensuring that the support calculation is based on financial reality, not manipulation.
Your Dedicated Partner in Justice
We pride ourselves on being your dedicated partner in justice. We do not just process paperwork; we build a relationship with you. We listen to your story, understand your financial goals, and tailor our strategy to meet your unique needs.
We Pursue the Best Possible Outcome
We are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Whether through skilled negotiation or litigation, we advocate for a result that secures your child's future while respecting your financial capabilities.
Distinguished, Innovative Solutions
We offer distinguished, innovative solutions that set us apart. Founder Schylon Lane brings a wealth of experience to every case, balancing the necessity of litigation with alternative resolutions when appropriate.
Why Choose The Elite Law Group?
Navigating the legal system can be intimidating, but you do not have to do it alone.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don't let financial uncertainty compromise your child's future or your peace of mind. Whether you need to calculate an initial order, modify an existing one, or enforce payment, The Elite Law Group is ready to help.
We are dedicated to providing providing exceptional and reputable legal services that are equally affordable for all.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Schylon Lane. Let us provide the compassionate, personalized service and strong advocacy you deserve.