What Expenses Can Be Added to Basic Child Support Obligations in Illinois?

 Posted on September 03, 2020 in Child Support

Everyone knows that raising children can be expensive. The costs of food, clothing, toys, and other needs can add up quickly. In fact, it is now estimated that the average cost of raising and supporting a child to age 18 is around $233,610, according to a 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study. While this may not seem to all that much when spread out over 18 years, it can still be difficult for one parent to pay for all of the costs of raising a child. This is why child support is typically ordered in cases in which parents are divorced or separated, ensuring that both parents are responsible for financially providing for a child’s needs.

Extra Costs of Raising a Child

In Illinois, a basic child support obligation is typically determined during a divorce case, and this is meant to account for all of the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and housing. However, any parent knows that there are many more expenses involved in raising a child. With this in mind, Illinois law also has provisions to account for other child-related expenses, such as:

• Education: A court can order one or both parents to provide for a child’s school tuition. If the child was already attending private school or has been in private school for the majority of their educational career, they will likely be allowed to continue their private school education, and the costs of tuition will be divided between the parents. Parents may also be required to divide other school-related costs, such as registration fees or expenses related to school supplies.
• Child-Care Expenses: Paying for daycare while parents are working can become expensive. Illinois courts can order one or both parents to contribute to “reasonable child care expenses” for the child, which can be payable to one of the parents or directly to the child care institution. The costs for child care will most likely be prorated in accordance with each spouse’s percentage of the combined household income.
• Extracurricular Activities: As with schooling expenses, Illinois courts may require parents to divide the costs of the other activities in which the children participate. The court can order these expenses to be covered as long as the activities are intended to enhance the educational, athletic, social, or cultural development of the child.
• Health Care: A portion of the basic child support obligation is intended to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with health care. The court can also order either parent to initiate or continue health care coverage for the child through their own health insurance plans, and the costs of health insurance premiums will typically be divided between the parents. Based on the needs of the child, the court can also order each parent to contribute toward other health care costs.

Contact an Arlington Heights Child Support Lawyer

Raising a child is no easy task. Doing so can put a strain on both your finances and your emotions, but it is one of the most rewarding things in the world. If you are wondering how your child’s expenses will be taken care of after your divorce, contact an experienced Barrington family law attorney at the Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson. Mr. Richardson has more than 15 years of family law experience, and he can help you address and resolve any child-related issues you may have. Our firm offers free consultations, so call 847-873-6741 to schedule an appointment today.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6100000&SeqEnd=8350000

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090415/cost-raising-child-america.asp