In Illinois, a new baby or stepchild can affect a parent’s finances, but it does not automatically cancel or reduce child support obligations. Courts look closely at both parents’ incomes, family size, and the needs of each child before deciding if payments should change. If you are unsure what this means for you, the Joliet, IL child support lawyers at The Foray Hurst Firm can help you understand your rights.
How Do Illinois Courts Calculate Child Support?
Under Illinois’s income-shares model (750 ILCS 5/505), the court uses both your incomes to figure out how much support should be paid. The point is to estimate what your child would have received if you were all living together. The court divides the total of your income by how much you each make to figure out your financial responsibility. For example, if your ex earns 70 percent of the total income, they are typically responsible for 70 percent of your child’s financial support.