Additional Child-Related Expenses in Illinois Child Support Orders

 Posted on January 29, 2021 in Child Support

Just as the famous saying states, “It takes two to tango,” it takes two people to create a child, so it is only fair that those two people are also responsible for financially providing for that child for the next 18 years. The formula that is used to calculate monthly child support payments takes into account a variety of factors, including both parents’ incomes, how much parenting time each parent has, and whether or not either parent has any other spousal support or child support obligations. Monthly child support payments are typically paid from the person with the smaller share of parenting time to the person with the larger share of parenting time and are used to help pay for basic living expenses in raising the child. However, most divorced or unmarried parents know that typical child support payments do not cover all of the expenses that a child can incur each month

Expenses Not Included In Monthly Child Support

In Illinois, the parents of a minor child are required to financially provide for the child and ensure he or she has clothing, food, toys, and everything else needed to be healthy and happy. The monthly child support order helps to partially provide these basic necessities, but there are other expenses above and beyond typical support that should be addressed in your support order and parenting plan. These can include but are not limited to the following:

• School and/or extracurricular activity expenses: If the judge determines it to be necessary, he or she can order one or both of the parents to pay for costs related to school or extracurricular activities meant to help the child’s athletic, social, educational or cultural development.

• Childcare expenses: For many families, childcare can be a large expense every month, especially if both parents are working. The judge can order one or both spouses to contribute to childcare expenses, which are typically determined by each spouse’s percentage of the combined net income.

• Healthcare expenses: Another large expense each month can be healthcare. The judge can require one or both parents to provide the child with health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The judge can also require one or both spouses to contribute to the out-of-pocket costs that may pop up related to the child’s healthcare, such as copays or prescription costs.

Speak With Our Kendall County Child Support Attorney Today

Over the course of 18 years, the costs of raising a child can add up to quite a large number, especially if you factor in the costs of everything that is not included in the basic child support obligation. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help you and your co-parent come to a fair agreement about a child support order that meets everyone's needs, regardless if you are divorced or never married. To schedule a consultation to speak to our skilled Aurora child support lawyer, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Source:

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