Chicago Child Support Lawyer

The family courts of Illinois have a legal obligation to always preserve the best interests of any children affected by the court’s rulings. Illinois state law upholds that a child is entitled to financial support from both of their parents in equal measure, and family court judges generally uphold that children benefit most from equal access to both of their parents. When married parents divorce or when unmarried parents decide to live as separate single parents, they must resolve custody of their children through the family court, and this almost alwaysleads to a child support determination as well

Legal Counsel for Chicago, IL, Child Support Disputes

Whether you are bracing for a complex, multifaceted divorce, a standalone child custody determination, or returning to family court to adjust your current child support terms, the right Chicago child support attorney can be an incredible asset as you navigate these contentious proceedings. Johnson Law Group has years of experience representing Chicago clients in the family court system, and our team is confident in our ability to address the unique aspects of your case.

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Understanding Child Support Determination in Chicago

Whenever parents go to Chicago family court to resolve child support, each parent needs to know what to expect in these difficult cases. It’s natural for any parent to want as much time as possible with their children, and it is also possible for personal issues between parents to interfere with their decisions in custody and support determinations. Unfortunately, some divorcing parents attempt to use their children as leverage against one another, and this can easily lead to irreparable harm between parents and their children.

If you are preparing to divorce your co-parent or if you are an unmarried parent in need of a legally enforceable support order, you must remember that the family court has a legal obligation to always rule in favor of the best interests of any children affected by the court’s ruling. No matter how convinced you may be of your negotiating petition in a child support dispute, the judge overseeing your case has the final say, and Illinois state law requires any judge resolving custody to assess numerous factors in any given case:

The judge must assess the fitness of both parents. If one parent is more fit than the other due to criminal behavior, domestic abuse, addiction, or other issues that present dangers to the child, a judge will always award custody to whichever parent they deem most fit to handle their parental responsibilities. The noncustodial parent is then responsible for paying child support to the custodial parent per the court’s directions.
The judge must calculate the child’s basic living expenses and the cost of living in the area. Next, the judge uses these factors to determine the total amount of child support the child should receive from both parents combined each month. Then, the judge divides this amount in half to arrive at each spouse’s respective support obligation.
The judge will use the custody terms settled in the case to inform their support determination. For example, if a noncustodial parent has little to no physical custody of their child, they are likely to owe more in support than a parent who shares a joint parenting plan with their co-parent in equal measure.

It’s important to remember that any child custody determination in Illinois involves three main components:

Physical custody, which establishes a child’s primary residence and a schedule of where they spend their time. One parent could have complete physical custody with the noncustodial parent only having limited visitation, or parents can share physical custody on a schedule that poses minimal disruption to the child.
Legal custody, which establishes parents’ rights to make major decisions for their children. As long as both parents are deemed fit by the judge, they are likely to share legal custody, requiring them to consult one another regarding specific major decisions for their children.
Financial support. When one parent assumes a greater share of physical custody than the other, the court inherently presumes this to account for their share of the child’s total support obligation. The noncustodial parent or parent with less physical custody then pays child support per the court’s directions. Both parents must submit complete and accurate financial records to assign custody rights, and both have the right to offer testimony, call witnesses, and submit character references to support their claims for custody. Ultimately, the judge overseeing a custody and support determination has the final say on the exact terms of the order and each parent’s respective custody rights and support obligations.

“Johnson Law Group and in particular Elizabeth Gregory was phenomenal with their representation of my case.”

Everyone was fast to return calls or emails. They explained everything thoroughly and so that I could understand the process. They worked with me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe and if needed would go with them again. Thank you so much.I was in a very difficult custody/child support dispute with my ex-spouse. Working with her was such a wonderful experience, kept our goals at the top of every conversation, knew all points and avenues that we could take, never lead us in the wrong direction They worked tirelessly on my case and the outcome was exactly what I expected! I would recommend this firm to anyone who is going through a family law issue.

– Liz

“They took a very stressful situation and made it a very pleasant storm.”

I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made. When you have someone in your corner that understands the importance of family it makes the situation a ton easier, thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!

– Dwight

“Professional, caring, organized.”

Amazing law firm. They will represent your best interests! They communicate well with you and are straight forward with everything from rates to the legal process. Myles Johnson is a experienced, knowledgeable, well-versed in the laws as they pertain in each county throughout the State of Colorado. As a client, I highly recommend Johnson Law Group!!

– Caleb

“Myles is genuine and professional, and I could not recommend him enough.”

Myles was excellent during my divorce and custody case. I had a very high-stress, and complicated situation, and not only was he efficient, but he kept me at ease throughout the entire process.

– Former Client

“Myles Johnson is an excellent divorce attorney – the Best of the Best!”

I HIGHLY recommend him and his legal team of paralegals and staff because I had a great experience with them. Myles is smart and savvy and fully committed to his clients as an attorney and mediator. He represented me in my divorce and when we went to court his talent and expertise rose to the top giving me confidence and inspiration during this hardship. I am so glad I had Johnson Law Group at my side! It made my divorce a little bit easier knowing this group had my back and worked hard to get me what was fair and equitable with the utmost care and concern for me as a client and most importantly as an individual.

– M.J.

“Quick response to questions, making the line of communication superb.”

Johnson Law Group did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.

– Mista

“Everyone I dealt with at the firm was extremely professional, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable.”

I worked with Elizabeth and she did way more for me than I thought possible. I was in a bad situation when I came in. She took my case then proceeded to go above and beyond until the very end. With them working my case my stress about the whole thing was pretty much gone.

– Nick D.

“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”

Myles and his firm did an excellent job on my case. He helped me settle a financial dispute with my ex-wife concerning my retirement income. Myles was a good communicator and responded to questions and concerns promptly. I will definitely call him if I am ever in need of a lawyer.

– Rob

“My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JOK team.”

I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson Law Group team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.

– Patricia

How Your Attorney Can Help

If you are required to pay child support, it is vital to adhere closely to the terms of your support order. Any violation of your child support obligations could lead to contempt of court and/or criminal prosecution. In addition, if you are owed child support from a co-parent, it’s vital to know how to address any incomplete, late, or refused payments as efficiently as possible.

When you choose Johnson Law Group to represent you in a child support determination, our goal is to help you reach the fairest possible outcome to the case that ensures your child has the support they need from both of their parents. Child support may also fluctuate over time as a child’s needs change or as the parents’ financial situations change. For example, if you are required to pay child support but unexpectedly lose your job or suffer an injury, these events could influence your ability to meet your support obligation.

A Chicago child support attorney can help a client secure favorable terms in an initial support determination and provide ongoing legal counsel if the parent must return to court later to request a modification. The Illinois family court allows a parent to make reasonable changes to their child support terms in certain circumstances. If you need assistance resolving any custody dispute in the Chicago, IL, area, Johnson Law Group can provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel you need to approach this difficult case with greater confidence.

Contact Johnson Law Group today and schedule a free consultation with a Chicago child support attorney you can trust to guide you through your case.

Individualized Attention

Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.

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Chicago Child Support Lawyer