When a couple gets divorced, child support makes sure both parents continue to help pay for what their children under age 18 need. The parent with less parenting time often makes payments to the parent who provides most of the day-to-day childcare. However, parenting time alone does not determine who pays child support, or how much the payments are.
To calculate child support, Illinois uses a formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the parenting arrangements. The court may also divide expenses for health insurance, childcare, school and medical needs, all of which expenses are not covered by child support.
If you are getting divorced in 2026 and have questions about child support, or any other aspect of your divorce, our Oak Park child support attorney can explain what the guidelines require in your case.