Understanding Illinois Child Support Guidelines
While many issues are subject to negotiation in divorce, the amount of child support you pay, or are entitled to receive, is determined by a formula which considers net income and the number of children supported, as shown in the following table:
| Number of children | Percentage of payor's net income paid as support |
| One child | 20 percent |
| Two children | 28 percent |
| Three children | 32 percent |
| Four children | 40 percent |
| Five children | 45 percent |
| Six or more children | 50 percent |
The court can deviate from these guidelines in certain circumstances, including high income payors. I'm Susan Butler, a family law attorney serving clients in Peoria and Tazewell counties in Central Illinois. I have experience helping the parents of children with special needs seek an appropriate amount of support.
Modifications of Child Support in Illinois
Once determined, child support may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if the payor of child support loses his job or is forced to take a lower-paying job, child support payments may be reduced. If the payor receives a promotion or raise, child support may be recalculated so the children will benefit. Child support generally continues until the children reach age 19 or graduate from high school, whichever occurs first.
College Expenses
Illinois has a separate statute that gives a divorced parent standing to file a petition asking the other parent to contribute to post high school college or vocational school expenses, even though the child has reached adulthood. Generally, the student must attend the college or tech school right after graduating from high school, and the cost of the school must be reasonable, considering the household incomes of both parents.
To receive support, the child must be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing and making good progress toward a degree. The child will likely be required to assume some financial responsibility, such as applying for financial aid and working a summer job to help with expenses. Courts will not consider a request for contribution to college expenses until the child is enrolled so that the actual cost is calculable.
Unlike an award of child support, which is strictly based upon the payor's income, a college expense order may be based upon the court's consideration of the entire household income of each parent, including the income of any new spouse.
Child Support Consultation
To arrange a consultation with attorney Susan Butler or attorney Kelly Giraudo, call 309-938-4204 or complete the contact form on this site.
