Naperville, IL Child Support Lawyers

Compassionate Child Support Attorneys for Parents in Naperville

Child support is important for ensuring that a child is taken care of financially, requiring both parents to contribute to the child's upbringing. This is a major responsibility, and it should not be taken lightly, whether you are paying or receiving support. If you have any concerns about this financial obligation, a Naperville child support lawyer can help address your questions and stand up for your rights.

Since 1979, Fay & Farrow has stood as a fierce advocate for families, representing parents in all manner of highly contested cases.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Child Support in Illinois?

In Illinois, both parents share a legal duty to financially support their children. Typically, the non‐custodial parent (the parent with whom the child spends less time) will be ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. However, the court examines each family's unique circumstances before assigning responsibility.

Judges calculate support based on a statutory formula that considers both parents' incomes collectively, the number of children involved, and parenting times allocated to each parent. If one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may have to cover a larger proportional share. Even if parents reach an agreement on support amounts, the court must review and approve it to ensure it meets the children's needs, as well as the statutory guidelines imposed by Illinois law.

Because income and/or a child's needs can fluctuate, either parent may petition the court for a modification if their financial situation changes substantially.

What Is Child Support Used to Cover?

Child support is intended to maintain a child's standard of living and address their essential needs. It can cover:

• Housing expenses
• Food, clothing, and personal care items
• Educational costs, from school supplies to tuition for private or extracurricular programs
• Medical and dental care, including insurance premiums, co-pays, and special treatments
• Daycare, child care, or babysitting expenses when custodial parents work or attend school

The court's goal is to ensure the child continues to thrive in a safe and stable environment. Support payments are not earmarked for specific purchases. Rather, they supplement the custodial parent's resources to meet daily and long-term needs of the child.

What if My Spouse Will Not Pay Child Support?

When a parent falls behind on support payments, Illinois law provides robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure children receive the financial support they need. One option is to involve the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. HFS can pursue wage garnishment, intercept state and federal tax refunds, and suspend the non-paying parent's driver's or professional licenses until payments resume.

If those steps do not work, you can go to court and ask a judge to hold your ex in contempt. A contempt order can lead to fines or, in serious cases, jail time until the required payments are made, among other remedies. Every month of missed payments adds up, making it harder for your child to get the resources they need. Our experienced attorneys can explain the options for your particular circumstances, guide you through the process, and advocate for effective results so your child's well-being stays protected.

Meet With a Naperville, Illinois Child Support Attorney

At Fay & Farrow, our legal team is here to guide you through each step and explain how Illinois law applies to your situation. Call 630-961-0060 or contact our Naperville, Illinois child support attorneys today for a free consultation to review your case and understand your options.