High Income Child Support Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout DuPage County
Determining the amount of child support one parent must pay is often a contentious issue, but in high-income families, it can be even more complicated. The parents and the court must balance the income of both parents with the reasonable needs of the child(ren). Each party's definition of "reasonable," however, may be completely different.
To make your strongest argument for the amount of child support you consider reasonable, contact Andrew Cores Family Law Group. We have experience with all aspects of high-income divorce, including child support orders. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent, our lawyers can fight for the appropriate amount of support for your child's needs.
Special Considerations of High-Income Child Support Orders
Illinois has statutory guidelines for determining the amount of child support a parent pays, and these guidelines take both parents' incomes into account when determining the paying parent's support obligation for the minor child(ren). When one parent has a high income, adhering strictly to the guidelines may result in child support payments that far exceed the child's needs. In these cases, the court may deviate from the guidelines and order a lower amount so the parent receiving the support does not receive a windfall. It is the party seeking the downward deviation from the statutory guidelines who has the burden to prove that the amount calculated using the statutory guidelines would be inappropriate.
Another possibility is requesting an upward deviation (requesting more than guideline support), based on the child's needs; however, you must be able to provide detailed proof of the additional need. The burden of proof lies with the parent requesting any deviation, higher or lower, from the statutory guidelines.
The "basic child support obligation" calculated using the statutory guidelines is meant to address the child's basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and day-to-day health expenses. However, there may be additional expenses that will need to be paid, and child support orders may be adjusted to ensure that both parents are contributing to these costs. Additional expenses that may be considered in cases involving high-income families may include:
- Tuition for private school, as well as other educational expenses
- Tutors for education, music, or other activities
- Childcare from nannies or other providers
- Clothing, vehicles, and vacations
- Medical expenses, including the costs of health insurance or any therapies that may be needed to address children's special needs
Child support obligations will be determined based on the children's needs. However, the amount of child support required to meet these needs should be consistent with, not greater than, the standard of living a family enjoyed before the divorce.
In addition to helping you determine appropriate child support obligations, our attorneys can also assist you with enforcement of child support orders. If you are not receiving child support payments, we can ask the court to find the other parent in contempt of court. If you have been accused of failing to meet your obligations, our attorneys can also defend you in a contempt proceeding.
Contact Our Wheaton High-Income Child Support Lawyers
Our attorneys can help you make sure all relevant financial factors will be considered correctly when addressing issues related to child support. Whether you expect to pay or receive child support, we can help you make sure your children's financial needs will be met while protecting your own financial interests. To make an appointment, please call 630-407-1225 or contact us online. We have offices in DuPage County and Kendall County.
