Variable income does not exempt you from child support. It does, however, change how the calculation works. Rather than deciding on a fixed amount based on your monthly pay, Illinois courts look at the larger picture of your earnings over time.
If your income fluctuates because you’re self-employed, work on commission, or earn seasonal income, it’s important to understand how the court will determine your support orders in 2026. A Kendall County, IL child support lawyer can walk you through the process.
How Does Illinois Calculate Child Support When Your Income Isn’t Consistent?
Illinois uses an income shares model to calculate child support (750 ILCS 5/505). This model bases child support on the combined net income of both parents. The statute requires courts to consider “all income from all sources.”