Child custody arrangements are an essential factor in determining child support obligations. Many parents assume that if they share custody equally, neither parent will owe child support. However, that is not always the case. Illinois law takes into account both the time each parent spends with the child and each parent’s income when deciding support requirements.
Even with shared or “50/50” parenting time, one parent may still be required to make payments to make sure that the child’s needs are met in both households. An experienced Yorkville family law attorney can help you understand your rights, calculate fair payment amounts, and prioritize your child’s best interests.
What Does Shared Custody Mean in Illinois?
The legal term for custody in Illinois is “parenting time.” Shared custody typically refers to both parents having significant time with their child, often close to or an exactly equal number of days. Under state law, shared parenting is specifically defined as each parent having the child for at least 146 overnights per year.