Child Support Updates for 2025
Child Support: Key Facts for Families in Illinois
Updated for 2025
Child support is an essential aspect of family law that ensures children receive the financial support they need after a separation or divorce. For parents in Illinois, understanding the latest guidelines, including updates to Section 505, can make all the difference in navigating child support cases successfully.
What Is Child Support?
Child support refers to financial payments made by one parent to another for the care and well-being of their child or children. These payments typically cover:
- Basic Necessities: Housing, food, clothing, and utilities.
- Healthcare Costs: Insurance premiums, medical bills, and routine care.
- Education Expenses: School supplies, extracurricular activities, and tuition.
Recent Updates: Voluntary Unemployment or Underemployment
Effective January 1, 2025, Section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was updated to address child support cases involving unemployed or underemployed parents. Courts now evaluate factors such as:
- Financial circumstances, including assets and ownership of non-income-producing property.
- Employment history, job skills, educational attainment, and literacy.
- Local job market conditions and earning potential in the community.
When work history is insufficient, courts may assume a potential income of 75% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, creating fairer calculations for child support payments.
Procedure for Imputed Income Cases
If one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the other parent may petition the court to impute income. Key steps include:
- Discovery Phase: Collecting evidence of earning capacity, job search efforts, and available employment opportunities.
- Petition Submission: Filing a request for imputed income and notifying the other parent.
- Evidentiary Hearing: Presenting proof to the court that income should be imputed based on circumstances.
Efforts such as requesting employment records, job search diaries, and community job data can strengthen your case.
Why These Updates Matter
Child support calculations have always been complex, but the latest changes aim to create fairness for employed parents, discourage voluntary unemployment, and ensure children receive the support they deserve.
Next Steps for Parents in St. Clair County
Navigating child support cases can be challenging. Our experienced attorneys specialize in Illinois family law and can assist with imputation arguments, discovery requests, and consultations. Contact Hicks & Spector today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward securing your child’s future.
