Child custody battles can turn a family’s life upside down, but the parent who has custody of the children can give them a stable life with adequate child support. In Illinois, this is determined by a set of guidelines the court uses to calculate the amount the non-custodial parent must pay. This includes a formula that can come into effect if the guidelines do not meet the best interests of the children.
Some of the factors that can influence this include the child’s:
- Education requirements
- Standard of living or lifestyle pre-divorce, i.e. when the parents were living together
- Physical and emotional requirements
- Financial needs – as well as those of the parents
It is important to understand the state no longer uses the term ‘custody’ and instead uses ‘parental responsibilities’ or ‘parenting time.’ The results are similar to a typical child custody case, but parents have to figure out the type of responsibilities will each take.
For example, they must determine where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. They also have to discuss who can make important decisions for the child, such as the basis of religion, medical needs, education, etc. They can also opt to share parental responsibilities if they can come to an agreement.
In some cases, the court can deviate from the aforementioned guidelines provided by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services if it thinks the requirements will compromise the best interests of the child. A lawyer who is experienced in divorce proceedings and child custody cases can ensure these are not violated and your children can enjoy a stable future.
If you are going through a divorce in Elgin, IL, and you need a lawyer to determine child support, the Casement Group can help. After an initial consultation, we will assign a skilled attorney to your case, who can ensure your rights, your children’s future and your own peace of mind remain intact. This includes aggressive representation when you are facing strong opposition. Besides child custody, we are also experienced in handling divorce and paternity cases.
Get in touch with us today by calling 847-888-9300. Protect your assets and family by booking a consultation today.