Cary Child Support Attorneys
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 need to negotiate child support with your co-parent or enforce an order, turn to us for legal services. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Illinois family law and are committed to protecting the best interests of those who trust us with their cases.
Call (815) 507-8887 or get in touch online to schedule a FREE consultation with our Cary child support attorneys. We offer in-person and virtual consultations.
What to Know About Illinois Child Support Laws
Under Illinois law, child support ensures that children continue to receive reasonable financial support even after parents separate or divorce. These payments are designed to cover a child’s basic needs through financial contributions determined by the court.
Payments are meant to cover essential expenses, such as:
- Housing
- Food
- Clothing
- Education
- Medical care
How Illinois Courts Calculate Child Support
Illinois courts use several factors when determining who should pay child support and in what amount.
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 assigned to each parent
- Specific expenses for the child, including medical and childcare costs
- Additional costs for education and extracurricular activities
Courts aim to create payment plans that address a child’s needs without causing unnecessary hardship to the parent paying support.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Cary
Major life changes often require updates to a child support order. In Cary and across McHenry County, parents sometimes ask for modifications due to changes in income, job loss, medical needs, or new family obligations. Illinois family law lets either parent request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Local courts look at changes in each parent’s finances, shifts in caretaking duties, expenses due to school or health, and other impacts on a child’s day-to-day needs.
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)
In some situations, asking for temporary support during a divorce or parentage case helps make sure children’s needs are met right away. Our attorneys frequently prepare documentation needed for these requests, which may speed up the process for families. For Cary residents, we can explain how local practices affect temporary or emergency support orders.
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 state court. This process often includes filing a petition for contempt of court, which means the other parent has not followed the court-ordered support agreement.
If successful, the courts have the authority to enact the following enforcement tools:
- Income withholding
- Asset seizure
- Tax refund interception
- License suspension
Courts in McHenry and Kane Counties take enforcement seriously and may take extra steps, such as placing liens on property or ordering wage garnishment for long-term nonpayment. Knowing how local judges handle enforcement gives you a better understanding of what to expect. We guide clients through preparing relevant documents and support them if they need to appear in court.
FAQs
How often can I request a review of my child support order in Illinois?
Illinois allows either parent to request a review every three years or any time there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as significant income or medical changes. Courts in McHenry County follow state guidelines for the review process.
Will child support include expenses for things like extracurricular activities or daycare?
Many child support orders include costs beyond daily expenses. Local judges often consider activities, healthcare, and daycare needs. Judges decide on inclusion based on documentation and a child’s best interests.
Do both parents have to appear in court for child support hearings?
Usually, both parents should attend hearings about child support, whether about setting, changing, or enforcing an order. Courts sometimes allow remote appearances depending on circumstances and court protocols.
Your Advocate in Child Support Cases in Cary
Our team focuses on helping families resolve child support disputes as efficiently as possible, aware of the burden any legal matter can place on parents and children.
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
Schedule a consultation with our Cary child support attorneys by calling (815) 507-8887 or submitting our online contact form.