Extra Expenses That Can Be Added to Illinois Child Support Obligations

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Support

Getting a divorce when you have children is never as easy as getting a divorce when you just have you and your spouse to consider. Divorcing with children means you have a few extra things that you must consider and make decisions about before you can finalize your divorce. These include parenting time arrangements, decision-making responsibilities for the children, college expenses and a rather common one, child support.

Child support is meant to be used to address the basic needs of children, such as a proper place to live, clothes to wear and food to eat. What the Illinois child support formula does not include is other expenses for your child that are nearly impossible to avoid. These expenses can be calculated and then added to the basic child support obligation that you and your child’s other parent are responsible for providing before the obligation is divided between the two of you.

Other Child Expenses

The state of Illinois recognizes that there are also extra expenses that almost every family who has children must pay. This is why they have added sections to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to address these expenses and how they will be determined. Examples of these expenses include:

• Extracurricular Activities: Illinois courts acknowledge that extracurricular activities can be beneficial for the growth and development of some children. Extracurricular activities can be intended to enhance the educational, athletic, social or cultural development of children and the court can either add the costs to the basic child support obligation that both parents must contribute to, or it can order one parent to pay the costs directly.
• Child Care: Child care is rather common in divorce cases because both parents often work after getting a divorce. The costs of child care must be reasonable and necessary in order for them to be added to the basic support obligation. Child care costs can be paid by each parent directly to the child care provider, or they may be added to the basic support obligation.
• Health Care: There is almost no getting around providing health care for your child. The court can order either one or both parents to contribute to medical expenses such as insurance premiums or out-of-pocket costs. The court can also order one or both parents to cover the costs of other expenses such as dental care, braces, vision care, and glasses.

Child Support Disputes Can Be Settled With Help From a Skilled Kendall County Child Support Attorney

At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand that child support is often a contentious and complicated issue. Everyone always wants what is best for their children, but sometimes divorce clouds the judgment of even the most steadfast parent. If you are concerned about child support in your divorce case, our knowledgeable Yorkville child support lawyers can help you protect your rights while getting your child the support that he or she deserves. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59