In situations where one parent has primary or full custody, the other parent (also known as the non-custodial parent) might need to pay child support to financially provide for their child. Calculating how much a non-custodial parent owes can be complicated, especially if circumstances change. Many parents with shared custody worry that remarriage could affect their child support payments. No need to panic because our knowledgeable law team has all the answers you need! Continue reading this blog to find out how a Tazewell County Child Support Lawyer can provide individualized legal counseling.
DOES REMARRIAGE IMPACT CHILD SUPPORT?
Most of the time, remarriage doesn’t really affect child support that much. The parent who pays child support is referred to as an obligor, and the recipient is the parent that receives child support payments. Whether the obligor or recipient remarries, the child support amount will likely remain the same. This is because child support is calculated based on the needs of the child and how much each parent has to support their children. So, if an obligor remarries, they’ll probably owe the same amount even if their new spouse has a much higher income. An obligor’s new spouse won’t be paying child support, only the obligor will. However, an obligor may request to pay less in child support if they have another child in their new marriage because some fund will be reserved for their other children.
HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATED IN ILLINOIS?
Child support is calculated based on a large number of factors. In 2019, Illinois courts switched to the income shares model for child support calculations, meaning the amount depends mostly on both parents’ combined incomes. To figure out the exact child support you’ll owe/receive, you’ll need the “Income Shares Schedule”, which is essentially a chart that indicates how much support is needed depending on the number of children and the parents’ adjusted net income. Each parent’s obligation is determined based on how many nights out of the year each parent has custody of the child. Health insurance, extracurricular activities, and other expenses are taken into consideration too.
HOW CAN I CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT I OWE/RECEIVE?
The only way to legally alter your child support payments is by taking the issue to family court. You’ll need approval from a judge to change your child custody and child support arrangements. Whether you’re an obligor or a recipient, the best course of action is to contact a lawyer who can help you determine your best options.
Are you looking for a trusted family law attorney who can help you alter your child support arrangement? Thankfully, our dedicated law firm is on your side! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.
