Cary Child Support Lawyers
Serving Families in McHenry & Kane Counties & Beyond
At Vaclavek Hartman Vaclavek, we have helped countless parents in Cary and the surrounding areas secure fair child support arrangements. Whether you must negotiate child support with your co-parent or enforce an order, turn to us for legal services. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of Illinois family law and are committed to doing everything possible to protect the best interests of those who put their cases in our hands.
Request a free consultation to learn about our offerings and how our Cary child support lawyers can assist you. Call (815) 507-8887 or get in touch online. In-person and virtual consultations are available for your convenience.
What to Know About Illinois Child Support Laws
According to our state’s laws, child support’s purpose is to make certain that children continue to receive reasonable financial support, even after their parents have separated or divorced.
Payments are meant to cover essential expenses, such as:
- Housing
- Food
- Clothing
- Education
- Medical care
How Illinois Courts Calculate Child Support
Illinois courts account for several factors when determining who should pay child support and how much.
These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Each parent’s income and financial resources
- The number of children needing support
- The parenting time allocated to each parent
- The child’s specific expenses, including medical and childcare costs
- Any additional costs for education and extracurricular activities
The courts aim to establish fair and reasonable payment plans that meet children’s needs without excessively burdening the parent responsible for paying support.
Options for Parents Missing Support Payments
Whether you are seeking to establish a new child support order or enforce an existing one, you have several options for doing so. Below, we explore them.
Establishing a Child Support Order
If you do not yet have a child support order in place, steps you can take to initiate one include:
- Requesting that a court establish a child support order as part of a divorce, separation, or child custody case
- Working with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to locate the other parent, establish paternity (if needed), and determine the appropriate child support amount
- Resolving the matter through mediation with your co-parent (the agreement must still be approved by a state court)
Enforcing an Existing Child Support Order
If you already have a child support order but are not receiving payments, you can seek a resolution through a state court. This process often involves filing a petition for contempt of court, which means the other parent is in violation of the court-ordered child support agreement.
If successful, the courts have the authority to enact the following enforcement tools:
- Income withholding
- Asset seizure
- Tax refund interception
- License suspension
Learn more about this family law subject by visiting our Enforcement and Modification page.
Your Advocate in Child Support Cases
Our team is committed to helping families resolve child support disputes as efficiently as possible, knowing the kinds of burden any legal matter can be on parents and children especially.
When you trust your case with us, you can expect our Cary child support lawyers to:
- Help you understand how Illinois laws apply to your unique situation
- Advocate for fair arrangements that prioritize your child’s needs
- Assist you in navigating challenges like missed payments or changes in financial circumstances
- Represent your best interests in negotiations, mediation, and, when necessary, court
Let us know how we can serve you specifically in a free consultation. Schedule yours by calling (815) 507-8887 or submitting our online contact form.