Child Support Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
Every August, Child Support Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most essential elements of family law: ensuring children receive the financial support they need to grow and thrive, no matter their parents’ marital status.
At Masters Law Group, we recognize how crucial child support is in the lives of millions of children and families across Illinois and the United States.
In this blog, we’ll explore the purpose and history behind Child Support Awareness Month, how child support works in Illinois, and how our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the child support process, whether you’re seeking support, contesting an order, or modifying an existing agreement.
Why Child Support Awareness Month Matters
Child Support Awareness Month was first established in 1995 by President Bill Clinton. The goal was simple but powerful: raise awareness of the importance of child support and encourage parental responsibility to help ensure children receive the emotional and financial care they deserve.
Since then, every August, child support agencies, legal professionals, advocacy groups, and families across the country observe the month to:
- Promote the availability of child support services
- Educate parents about their rights and responsibilities
- Honor professionals who work in child support enforcement
- Encourage open, cooperative co-parenting
While many families resolve financial matters amicably, countless others need legal support to establish or enforce fair child support agreements. That’s where experienced legal professionals, like the team at Masters Law Group, step in.
The Important Role of Child Support
Child support isn’t just about money; it’s about stability, access to opportunities, and a better and fair future for children.
Here’s why child support is so important:
- It helps cover essential needs like housing, food, clothing, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities.
- It reduces child poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, child support can play a critical role in reducing poverty in single-parent households.
- It reinforces both parents’ responsibility to provide for their child, even if they don’t live together.
- It fosters cooperation and structure, helping children grow up in more secure and supportive environments.
Child Support in Illinois: What You Should Know
Child support laws and enforcement vary from state to state. In Illinois, child support is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/505).
Here are key facts about child support in Illinois:
1. Child Support Is Still Called “Child Support”
While some states have shifted terminology (e.g., “parenting time” instead of “custody”), Illinois continues to use the term “child support” in legal documentation and court proceedings.
2. Support Is Calculated Using the “Income Shares Model”
Illinois uses the income shares model to determine child support. This approach considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
This means child support payments are calculated to reflect the percentage of total income each parent contributes to the household, aiming for fairness and shared responsibility.
3. Support Covers More Than Just Basic Needs
In addition to basic living expenses, Illinois courts may also order parents to contribute to:
- Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Childcare costs
- Educational expenses
- Extracurricular activities
4. Child Support Is Enforceable
Failure to pay child support in Illinois can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Suspension of driver’s licenses or professional licenses
- Interception of tax refunds
- Contempt of court charges and even jail time
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) helps enforce child support, but legal representation can be critical in resolving disputes or ensuring compliance.
5. Support Orders Can Be Modified
Life changes, like a job loss, promotion, disability, or changes in parenting time, may justify a modification of your child support order. In Illinois, either parent can petition for a review or adjustment, but you’ll need to prove that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred.
How Masters Law Group Supports Families Year-Round
At Masters Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience handling child support matters across Illinois. We help clients through every stage of the process, from initial filings to post-decree modifications and enforcement actions.
Our services include:
- Establishing Child Support Orders: We work with both custodial and non-custodial parents to establish fair and accurate support agreements based on Illinois guidelines. If you’re facing a divorce or separation, we’ll make sure your child’s financial needs are fully addressed.
- Modifying Child Support: If your financial situation has changed, or your child’s needs have evolved, we can help you petition the court for a modification that better reflects your current circumstances.
- Enforcing Child Support: If your ex-partner is not paying their court-ordered support, we can help you take legal action to enforce the order and recover what’s owed.
- Defending Against Unfair Demands: On the flip side, if you’ve been served with a child support order you believe is inaccurate or unsustainable, we’ll advocate for your rights and work to help protect your financial future.
Common Questions We Hear
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Can child support be waived in Illinois?
No. While parents can agree on support terms, a judge must approve any agreement, and the court will always prioritize the best interests of the child. A parent cannot waive the child’s right to financial support.
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When does child support end?
In Illinois, child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if they are still in high school. In some cases, courts may order contributions for college expenses or support for disabled adult children.
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Do both parents have to work?
Not necessarily. Illinois law considers earning potential as well as actual income. A parent who chooses to remain unemployed or underemployed without a valid reason may be imputed income, assigned a theoretical income level for child support purposes.
Celebrating Progress During Child Support Awareness Month
This month isn’t just about educating parents; it’s about recognizing the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure children are supported.
Here’s what Child Support Awareness Month also celebrates:
- Professionals Who Make a Difference: We salute the caseworkers, attorneys, and advocates who work every day to establish, enforce, and improve child support systems.
- Innovations That Improve Access: Many states, including Illinois, have modernized how parents apply for and pay child support. Online portals, automatic deductions, and digital record-keeping all help streamline the process.
- Stronger Co-Parenting and Communication: Child support agreements don’t have to be combative. More families are using mediation and collaborative law to find solutions that work for everyone, especially the kids.
Take Action This August
Whether you’re just beginning a child support case or need help modifying an existing agreement, Child Support Awareness Month is the perfect time to act.
- Talk to an experienced attorney: Get a clear understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and what your child is entitled to.
- Review your existing support order: Are the terms still appropriate? Are both parties following the agreement? Are there new needs that should be addressed?
- Keep communication open: Co-parents who communicate honestly and cooperatively tend to reach better outcomes for their children, and themselves.
Why Choose Masters Law Group
Navigating child support can be emotionally and legally complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Masters Law Group, we combine compassion with unmatched legal expertise to help Illinois families move forward with confidence.
Our firm is highly respected for handling:
- Divorce and separation
- Parenting plans
- Child support and spousal support
- Mediation and collaborative law
- Post-decree modifications and enforcement
- International child abduction and Hague Convention cases
We serve clients across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, offering tailored legal solutions and a deep understanding of Illinois family law.
Final Thoughts: Putting Children First
At its core, child support is about helping ensure that children receive the care and resources they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Whether it’s August or any other time of year, the dedicated attorneys at Masters Law Group are here to help you navigate the complexities of child support with clarity and compassion.
