Naperville, IL Child Support Lawyers

Compassionate Child Support Attorneys for Parents in Naperville, Illinois

Child support is important for ensuring that a child is taken care of financially, requiring both parents to contribute to the child's upbringing. This is a major responsibility, and it should not be taken lightly whether you are paying or receiving support. If you have any concerns about this financial obligation, a Naperville child support lawyer can help address your questions and stand up for your rights.

An experienced attorney can help protect your rights as well as your child's rights in a dispute about child support. Since 1979, Fay & Farrow has stood as a fierce advocate for families, representing parents in highly contested cases.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Child Support in Illinois?

In Illinois, both parents share a legal duty to support their children, regardless of custody arrangements. Typically, the non‐custodial parent (the parent with whom the child spends less time) will be ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. However, the court examines each family's unique circumstances before assigning responsibility.

Judges calculate support based on a statutory formula that considers both parents' incomes, the number of children involved, and parenting time. If one parent earns significantly more, they may have to cover a larger share. Even if parents reach an agreement on support amounts, the court must review and approve it to ensure it meets the children's needs.

Since income and the child's needs can fluctuate, either parent may petition the court for a modification if their financial situation changes substantially.

What Is Child Support Used to Cover?

Child support is intended to maintain a child's standard of living and address their essential needs. It can cover:

• Housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and property taxes
• Food, clothing, and personal care items
• Educational costs, from school supplies to tuition for private or extracurricular programs
• Medical and dental care, including insurance premiums, co-pays, and special treatments
• Day care or babysitting expenses when custodial parents work or attend school

The court's goal is to ensure the child continues to thrive in a safe and stable environment. Support payments are not earmarked for specific purchases. Rather, they supplement the custodial parent's resources to meet daily and long-term needs.

What if My Spouse Will Not Pay Child Support?

When a parent falls behind on support payments, Illinois law provides robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure children receive the financial support they need. One option is to involve the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. HFS can pursue wage garnishment, intercept state and federal tax refunds, and suspend the non-paying parent's driver's or professional licenses until payments resume.

If those steps do not work, you can go to court and ask a judge to hold your ex in contempt. A contempt order can lead to fines or, in serious cases, jail time until the required payments are made. You can also ask the court to place a lien on your ex's property or take money directly from their bank account or other assets. Liens and levies help you collect overdue support without waiting for voluntary compliance.

Acting quickly is essential. Every month of missed payments adds up, making it harder for your child to get the resources they need. Our experienced attorneys can explain these options, guide you through the process, and advocate for quick, effective results so your child's well-being stays protected.

Meet With a Naperville, Illinois Child Support Attorney

At Fay & Farrow, our legal team is here to guide you through each step and explain how Illinois law applies to your situation. Call 630-961-0060 or contact our Naperville, Illinois child support attorneys today for a free consultation to review your case and understand your options.