Child Expenses Attorney in Palatine, IL

DuPage County Child Support Lawyer

Every child has the right to support from both parents, no matter how rocky the relationship between the parents may be. While love and emotional support is certainly ideal, the state only has the ability to legislate requirements for financial support. If you are a divorced, separated, or unmarried parent seeking support from your child's other parent, or if you are being asked to pay support, The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. can provide the help you need and ensure that issues related to your child will be addressed correctly.

The laws regarding child support in Illinois can be very confusing and, at times, overwhelming, but Attorney Nicholas W. Richardson has the knowledge and skill necessary to simplify the process for you. With more than 15 years of family law experience, he is prepared to advocate for you in negotiations or in litigation to create a solution that meets your needs while protecting the rights of your child.

Illinois Child Support Basics

In most cases, child support orders are based on statutory guidelines included in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA). They generally require the parent who has not been granted primary residential parental responsibilities to contribute financially to the child's day-to-day needs, including housing, food, clothes, and other necessities. Following an update to the IMDMA which took effect in July 2017, the amount typically spent to provide care for children is determined based on both parents' combined net income and the number of children, and this amount is divided between the parents according to the percentage that each parent contributes to the combined income.

Schaumburg Attorney for Additional Child Expenses

The law also recognizes that, sometimes, providing for the most basic needs of a child may not be sufficient. There may be circumstances present in the child's life that require much more than the minimum amount of support. When additional needs arise, it is within the purview of the court to increase the required obligation of the paying parent.

The Court may order a paying parent to contribute to additional expenses, if deemed to be reasonable, related to:

• Health-related costs not covered by insurance, including out-of-pocket amounts and non-covered services
• Child care, including private services or daycare that is necessary while a parent is working or seeking employment
• Education, including school fees, the costs of school supplies, and tutoring expenses
• Extracurricular activities

For example, if you are the primary residential parent of a child who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, you can reasonably expect increased expenses for medical care, specialized educational programs, and more. Attorney Richardson is prepared to help ensure you receive the appropriate assistance from the other parent in providing for your child's needs. Whether additional expenses are to be included in an initial child support order or the modification of an existing order, you can rely on Attorney Richardson to work diligently on behalf of your child.

Contact Our Barrington Child Support Lawyer

For more information about increasing an order for child support to cover additional child expenses, contact The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. for a free initial consultation. Put Attorney Richardson's experience on your side by calling 847.873.6741 today. Our firm is proud to represent clients in Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and throughout Cook and DuPage Counties.