Enforcing Child Support Orders in Illinois

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Illinois family law attorney

In Illinois, the Office of the State Attorney General manages child support orders, claims, and enforcement. The office manages such issues through its Child Support Enforcement Division, which works closely with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, handling child support enforcement in every one of the 89 counties in the state.  Statistics reveal that children of divorce who receive child support are more likely to complete education or go on to college. The only way to ensure that children who deserve child support payment are receiving them is to maintain an office of child support enforcement on a state-by-state basis.

If you need help with an order of child support — as either the custodial or non-custodial parent — the first step is to contact the regional office of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services nearest you. When you arrive at the enforcement agency, you will need to bring:

• Proof of paternity (either a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity or as much proof as you have in which the birth father “has said or implied that the child is his”;
• An order of child support;
• Birth certificates for all children for whom you are seeking support;
• Records of any support you have received already, if applicable; and
• Divorce or separation decree or settlement.

While it may seem a straightforward process, there is no specific time frame in which the State can determine or enforce a child support claim. How long the process takes is dependent upon the non-custodial parent’s cooperation. It is also contingent upon the income of the non-custodial parent — if the non-custodial parent is not gainfully employed, for example, it may take much longer for the enforcement of child support orders.

If you or someone you know has questions about child support or divorce, the most important step is to seek the counsel of a legal professional. Contact an experienced Aurora divorce attorney today.