Top 5 Questions About Child Support, Answered

 Posted on March 04, 2026 in Family Law

Parents who are no longer together are still expected to provide financial support to the child. Often, this is accomplished through a child support order. Whether you are a paying parent or the recipient of child support or you want to establish child support for the first time, you may have many questions about your duties and rights.

At Goostree Law Group, our St. Charles, IL child support attorneys have decades of experience representing families in difficult family law cases. When you work with our seasoned legal team, we will listen closely to your concerns before developing a plan that addresses your situation.

Five Common Questions About Child Support Duties in 2026

Child support is a major responsibility. If a parent neglects his or her duty, it could have lasting repercussions. With that in mind, it’s important to have a baseline understanding of how child support works in Illinois.

Who Has to Pay Child Support?

In Illinois, child custody involves two major components, which are referred to as the allocation of decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. Parenting time is the time a parent is responsible for supervising the child and attending directly to the child’s needs. The parent with the greater amount of parenting time is usually the recipient of child support. The parent with less parenting time typically pays child support.

Illinois uses what is called an "income shares" model to calculate child support. This model is based on the idea that children should receive the same share of parental income that they would have received if the parents were still together. The court adds both parents’ net incomes together and then looks at a chart to find the basic support obligation for the number of children involved. Each parent is responsible for a percentage of that amount based on his or her share of the combined income.

How Much Does a Parent Pay?

Child support payment amounts are typically calculated using a statutory formula (750 ILCS 5/505). Both parents’ net incomes are factored into the payment structure. The difference between the parents’ incomes also influences the payment amount.

Net income is not the same as take-home pay on a single paycheck. It is calculated by starting with gross income and subtracting certain allowed deductions, such as federal and state taxes, Social Security, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums for the parent. Bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income may also be included. This can make support more complex when a parent has irregular earnings.

Child support usually covers basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. However, many court orders also address additional expenses. These can include health insurance for the child, uncovered medical bills, daycare costs, and extracurricular activities. The court can divide these expenses between the parents in proportion to their incomes.

What if Both Parents Have an Equal Amount of Time with the Child?

Child support and parenting time are separate issues. When parents have a somewhat equal share of their child’s time, child support questions may be harder to answer. Parents in a shared parenting situation each have the child at least 40 percent of the time. In shared parenting, a parent’s child support obligation is adjusted to account for the fact that the parents each have the child nearly half the time.

Even in shared parenting, the court still looks closely at each parent’s income and certain expenses for the child. This can include health insurance, daycare, or other regular costs. The goal is to keep the child’s standard of living as steady as possible in both homes.

A parent cannot refuse parenting time because the other parent has not paid support. Likewise, a parent also cannot stop paying support because visits are denied. These are separate legal issues, and each must be handled through the court. When disputes come up, the safest course of action is to document the violation and seek legal representation.

What if a Parent Cannot Afford Child Support Payments?

Child support payments can be a major expense. If a parent is struggling to afford payments he or she may petition the court for a reduced obligation. Child support modifications may be necessitated by an increase or decrease in either parent’s income.

If a parent loses a job or has a major change in income, he or she should act quickly. A parent cannot simply stop paying or reduce payments without a new court order. Until the order is changed, the full amount remains due. Unpaid support becomes arrears, and interest may apply. Filing a request for modification as soon as possible can help limit future debt.

How Can I Collect Child Support From My Child’s Other Parent?

If you want to collect child support from your child’s father, you will first need to establish paternity. A child’s mother is typically automatically legally recognized. Then, you can petition the court for a child support order. Parents who do not pay their court-ordered child support face wage garnishment, property liens, and other serious consequences. If you need help to collect child support from a non-paying parent, contact a child custody lawyer for help.

Support generally continues until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. In some cases, support can extend beyond age 18. For example, a court may order parents to contribute to college expenses. This does not happen automatically. A parent must ask the court, and the judge will look at factors such as the parents’ finances and the child’s academic plans and achievements.

Clear communication and accurate financial information are important in every child support case. Honest disclosure helps the court set a fair amount. When parents understand how support is calculated and enforced, they are better prepared to protect their rights and meet their child’s needs.

Contact a Kane County, IL Family Law Attorney

If you want to learn more about child support or you need help establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support order, contact Goostree Law Group. Our St. Charles, IL child support lawyers can help you take the next steps. Call us at 630-584-4800 to arrange your free initial consultation today.