If you’re a parent navigating child support in Illinois, it’s crucial to understand the state’s current laws and formulas. Illinois uses the “Income Shares” model to calculate support, which considers both parents’ incomes to ensure the child receives a fair share of support from each.

This 2025 guide breaks down how child support works in Illinois – including how payments are calculated, what the law says about health insurance for the child, how to modify support orders, and what tools (like the official Illinois child support calculator) can help.

We’ll present the information in plain language with step-by-step examples, so any parent – regardless of income or custodial status – can grasp the basics.

Finally, we’ll highlight when you should seek legal counsel and how Vantage Group Legal Services can assist.

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Overview of Illinois Child Support Law (2025)

Illinois law requires both parents to contribute to the financial support of their child. Unlike some old-fashioned systems that only looked at one parent’s income, Illinois now uses an Income Shares model (in place since 2017).

This model is based on the idea that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would if the parents were living together. In practical terms, that means both parents’ incomes are combined to determine a total support amount, which is then divided between the parents according to their respective share of the combined income.

Related: Income Shares FAQ – Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Some key points about Illinois child support in 2025:

Income Shares Model

Child support is based on both parents’ combined net income and the number of children, to reflect the cost of raising children at that income level. Each parent is responsible for a percentage of that cost proportional to their income. (We explain the steps in detail below.)

State Guidelines

Illinois publishes tables (the Income Shares Schedule) that show the basic child support obligation for various income levels and number of children. These guidelines are updated regularly to stay current with economic conditions. In fact, Illinois now updates its support tables annually, with the most recent update effective March 5, 2025. This ensures calculations use up-to-date data on the cost of living and raising kids.

Minimum and Maximum Limits

Very low-income parents may pay a minimal amount, and very high incomes have a cap in the schedule (beyond a certain combined income, the schedule may not increase further). Judges can adjust support in unusual cases to make sure the amount is fair and appropriate.

Court Discretion

While the guidelines will determine a presumed support amount, a judge can deviate from the guideline amount if applying it would be inequitable or inappropriate. For example, if a child has special needs or extraordinary expenses, the court might order more support than the formula suggests – but the judge must explain the reason in writing.

Overall, Illinois’ child support system in 2025 is designed to be fair, up-to-date, and based on both parents’ ability to contribute. Next, we’ll walk through exactly how child support is calculated under this system.

Illinois Child Support Calculator

Disclaimer: This Child Support is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion of any kind. The results obtained through the calculator are strictly informative and do not guarantee or predict any judicial decision. The accuracy of the calculator is not certified or warranted by Vantage Group Legal Services. We strongly advise that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney before making any decisions regarding divorce, separation, custody, or support and before signing any related legal documents that may affect your legal rights.

How to use the Calculator

  1. First, enter the number of children that you and your partner share.
  2. Next, enter the gross (after taxes) income of the custodial parent (i.e. the parent who has majority physical custody)
  3. Next, enter the gross income of the non-custodial parent.
  4. Finally, click the Calculate button. The figure labeled Total Child Support Obligation is the total amount of child support due based on the Illinois Income Shares model.
  5. The figures for the Custodial and Non-custodial parents represent the estimated amount each parent will owe. This is determined by multiplying each parent’s percentage of the total gross income by the total child support obligation.

Important Notes

  • This calculator provides an estimate based on the Standard Child Support Calculation. It does not provide an estimate for Shared Parenting Child Support Calculation. You can read more about the distinction between these below under the heading “How Is Child Support Calculated in Illinois?”.
  • This calculator references the Illinois Income Shares Model to determine the total child support obligation based on the number of children and combined net income of the parents.
  • The calculator then multiples the total support obligation by the percentage share of income from each parent, which gives the estimated amount owed by each parent.

Illinois’ Income Shares Model Explained

Under the income shares model, calculating child support is essentially a four-step process: combine incomes, determine the base support amount from a state chart, add extra expenses, and then split the cost between parents. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Combined Net Income

First, determine each parent’s net income (income after taxes). Illinois law provides a standard conversion chart to convert gross income to net for child support purposes. (This ensures consistency, but in special cases a parent can ask to use an individualized calculation of net income.) Once you have each parent’s monthly net income, add them together – this combined figure is treated as the family’s total available income for the child.

Basic Support Obligation

Using the combined income and the number of children, find the basic child support obligation from the official Illinois schedule (an “Income Shares” table). This table is based on economic research about the average cost of raising a child for families at different income levels. For example, if the combined net income of both parents is $6,000 per month and they have one child, the table might say (hypothetically) that $900 per month is the basic support needed for one child at that income. If they have two children, the amount would be higher. This basic obligation covers core expenses like housing, food, clothing, and other ordinary costs of raising the child.

Add Healthcare and Childcare Expenses

The next step is to add on any additional child-related expenses that are not included in the basic obligation.

Common additions in Illinois child support orders include:

  • Health insurance premiums for the child – Illinois requires parents to provide health insurance for the child if it’s available at a reasonable cost. The cost of the child’s health insurance (for example, the extra cost to cover the child on a parent’s employer health plan) will be added to the support calculation. We’ll discuss more about health insurance below, but note that this cost is typically shared by the parents.
  • Uninsured medical expenses – These are expenses like co-pays, deductibles, or medical/dental/vision costs not covered by insurance (e.g. braces, prescriptions). Illinois expects both parents to contribute to these as well. Often, the court will specify that each parent pay a percentage of unreimbursed medical costs (usually the same percentage as their income share).
  • Work-related childcare – If one or both parents incur childcare expenses due to work or school (daycare, babysitters, after-school programs), those costs are added on. The total monthly childcare expense is typically divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
  • Extraordinary expenses – Expenses for the child’s special needs, education, or extracurricular activities can also be added if appropriate. For example, costs for summer camp, tutors, or sports leagues might be split between parents if the court finds these expenses reasonable and in the child’s best interest.

Each Parent’s Share

Once all those components are added up, you have the total support obligation for the child. Now, each parent’s share of that obligation is calculated based on their percentage of the combined income. If Parent A earns 40% of the combined net income and Parent B earns 60%, then Parent A is responsible for 40% of the total support amount and Parent B for 60%. This proportional division is a core feature of the income shares model– it ensures each parent contributes an amount commensurate with their earnings.

In a typical case where one parent has primary custody, the non-custodial parent (the parent with less parenting time) will pay their percentage share of the total support to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is presumed to spend their share directly on the child during their day-to-day care.

For example, suppose the combined net income of both parents is $6,000 and the total support obligation (after adding insurance, childcare, etc.) comes out to $1,200 per month. If the father’s income is 65% of the total and the mother’s is 35%, then the father’s share would be $780 and the mother’s share $420. If the mother has primary custody, the father would be ordered to pay $780 per month in child support to the mother. The mother is not required to pay $420 to anyone – she is assumed to be spending $420 worth of her resources on the child directly (by providing housing, food, etc. during her custody time).

Illinois’ formula covers most situations, but it also accounts for when parents share time more equally. In the case of 50/50 or shared custody, the calculation adjusts (described next). It’s also important to know that judges can deviate from these calculations if the result would be unfair – for instance, if one parent has an exceptionally high income beyond the table or the child has extraordinary needs, the court might set a different amount.

But in general, the above method is how Illinois arrives at a child support figure.

Shared Parenting (50/50 Custody) Calculations

What happens if parents have a joint (near equal) parenting time split? Illinois law includes a special adjustment for “shared physical care.” If each parent has the child at least 146 nights per year (which is 40% of the time or more), the formula changes slightly to account for the costs each household bears.

In shared parenting situations, there are duplicate expenses (each parent needs to maintain a bedroom for the child, buy clothing, provide meals during their time, etc.), so the law increases the overall support obligation and then offsets the parents’ respective shares:

  • First, the basic child support obligation is increased by 50% (multiplied by 1.5) in recognition of the extra costs of maintaining two homes for the child. (For example, if the regular table says $1,000 per month for one child, it would be adjusted to $1,500 in a shared care scenario.)
  • Next, each parent’s share of this increased obligation is calculated based on income as usual. Then, each parent’s portion is multiplied by the percentage of time the other parent has the child. This essentially gives the amount each parent would owe the other to support the child during the other parent’s time.
  • Finally, these amounts are offset against each other. The parent who would owe more ends up paying the difference to the other parent. In a true 50/50 split with equal incomes, this usually results in a very low or $0 exchange (because both earn the same and spend equal time, so it balances out). But if one parent earns more, they will owe support even in a shared custody arrangement – though the shared care formula typically results in a lower payment than if that higher-earning parent had minimal parenting time.

This shared parenting calculation is a bit complex, but an example can help illustrate it.

Parent A and Parent B share custody of two children, with Parent A having the kids 60% of nights and Parent B 40% of nights (both above the 146-night threshold). Suppose Parent A’s monthly net income is $4,000 and Parent B’s is $6,000 (together $10,000). The basic obligation for two children at $10k might be around $1,800. Shared care adjustment makes it $2,700 (150% of $1,800). Each parent’s income share: Parent A 40%, Parent B 60%. So, Parent A’s portion of $2,700 is $1,080; Parent B’s portion is $1,620. Now adjust for time: Parent A has the kids 60% of the year, so we take 60% of Parent B’s portion = 0.6 * $1,620 = $972. Parent B has the kids 40% of the year, so take 40% of Parent A’s portion = 0.4 * $1,080 = $432. These represent what each parent would pay the other. Offset them: $1,620 (what B owes) minus $432 (what A owes) = $540. Parent B (higher earner with less time) pays Parent A $540 per month in this scenario. This is lower than it would be if Parent B had very limited time, reflecting that B is directly providing care 40% of the time.

The main takeaway: even with 50/50 custody, a higher-earning parent may still pay some child support, but the formula accounts for the shared expenses and time. If you have a true 50/50 split and similar incomes, the support amount might be negligible or zero. Illinois law ensures the calculation is fair by considering both time and income in these cases.

Using the Illinois Child Support Calculator (2025)

Manually calculating child support can be complicated, but fortunately, Illinois provides tools to help. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) offers a free online Child Support Estimator for parents.

Related: Child Support Estimator – Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

This calculator is kept up-to-date with the latest laws and guidelines – it was last revised in March 2024 to reflect 2024 state and federal updates (like tax changes and poverty levels), which means it’s current for 2025 as well.

You can access the estimator on the Illinois HFS website. The tool will ask you to input information such as both parents’ incomes, the number of children, who will have primary custody, costs for health insurance and childcare, and the number of overnights each parent has with the child. After you fill in the questions, it will generate an estimated child support amount based on the Illinois guidelines.

Key things to know about the Illinois child support calculator:

  • It uses the exact Illinois formula (income shares model) and current official tables, so it can give you a pretty reliable ballpark figure of what the court might order. It’s essentially doing the math we described earlier for you.
  • The accuracy of the estimate depends on the accuracy of the information you enter. Be sure to use correct income figures (and remember it’s based on net income after taxes, not gross pay). The estimator will often help convert gross to net as part of the questions.
  • The calculator will account for the shared parenting adjustment if you indicate each parent has at least 146 overnights.
  • It will also include the add-ons like health insurance or childcare costs if you input them.
  • It’s only an estimate: While the tool is useful, keep in mind that the actual child support order could differ slightly. For instance, a judge could deviate from the guideline for a special reason, or there could be income nuances (like self-employment income or bonuses) that the basic calculator doesn’t fully capture. The calculator also might not perfectly handle very high income situations or cases with uncommon financial circumstances.
  • HFS provides two versions of the estimator – one for parents (with a Q&A format) and one for professionals (where you can directly input values). The parents’ version is user-friendly and step-by-step.

Using the official Illinois child support calculator for 2025 is a great starting point to understand your potential obligation. However, if your situation is complex or you want a second opinion, consider consulting a family law attorney. An attorney can run more precise calculations (especially if you have income that doesn’t fit neatly into the calculator’s questions) and advise if any deviation might apply in your case.

Health Insurance and Other Child-Related Expenses

Illinois child support orders must address health insurance for the child. The law is clear that the court will ensure the child has health coverage, whether through one of the parents’ employers or a state program, as part of any support arrangement. Here’s how health insurance and other extra expenses factor into child support:

Health Insurance Coverage

Typically, if one or both parents have access to health insurance (for example, through an employer) at a reasonable cost, the court will order that one parent add the child to their health insurance plan. If both parents have coverage available, the court will decide which plan is more appropriate or cost-effective, or sometimes both might provide coverage. If neither parent has employer insurance, the court can order a parent to purchase a private policy or utilize Illinois’s public insurance program for kids (the All Kids Program. The key is that the child must have medical insurance in place.

Splitting the Premium Cost

The cost of the child’s health insurance premium is considered a child support expense that should be shared. Illinois uses a proportional split for this. For instance, if adding the child to a health plan costs $100 per month, and the parents have a 60/40 income split, the parent with 60% of the income would ultimately bear $60 of that cost and the other would bear $40. In practice, if one parent is paying the insurer (or having it deducted from their paycheck), the support order may require the other parent to reimburse them for their share. The idea is both contribute to the insurance cost according to ability. The child support guidelines calculation will include this when determining the final support amount.

Uninsured Medical Expenses

Health insurance doesn’t cover everything. Unreimbursed medical costs – such as co-pays, deductibles, prescription medication not covered, dental work or braces, vision care, etc. – are usually addressed in the child support order as well. Illinois law expects parents to split these costs, generally in proportion to income or sometimes equally, as the court sees fit. For example, the order might say parents will split uninsured medical expenses 50/50, or 70/30, etc. It’s common for an order to specify that the parent who incurs an out-of-pocket medical expense for the child (like a copay at a doctor visit) should send the bill or receipt to the other parent, and that parent must pay their share of it within a certain time frame.

Childcare Expenses

If the custodial parent (or either parent) incurs work-related childcare costs – for instance, daycare while the parent is at work, or after-school programs when the child is too young to be left alone – those costs are added on top of basic support. Childcare is often one of the biggest expenses for working parents, and Illinois recognizes that in the support calculations. The court will typically order each parent to pay a portion of the childcare expense proportional to their income share. In practice, if one parent pays the daycare provider, the other parent’s portion might be added to or included in the support payment. High childcare costs can significantly increase the support amount, but they are necessary expenses for the child’s care while parents work or attend school.

Educational and Extracurricular Expenses

Illinois law allows the court to include additional costs such as school tuition, uniforms, tutors, or even extracurricular activities (sports, music lessons, summer camp, etc.) if the parents have the ability to cover these and the child is engaged in those activities. These are not automatically included in every case, but if one parent asks the court to allocate such expenses, the court can order them to be shared. For example, if a child attends a private school or has costly extracurricular activities, the support order might specify how the parents split those bills. Like other expenses, this is often done by income percentages, unless the parents agree to a different division.

In summary, child support in Illinois is not just a single number for basic needs – it’s a comprehensive arrangement to cover all aspects of the child’s wellbeing, from healthcare to daycare. The base support amount from the income table is meant to cover everyday expenses, but parents also have to ensure the child’s medical needs are covered and that childcare is provided for. The court can and will include those in the calculation so that everything is accounted for.

It’s important for parents to budget for these items and not be caught off guard – for instance, knowing that if you pay for the child’s health insurance, the other parent should chip in their share, or if you incur a co-pay for a doctor’s visit, you can ask the other parent to pay part of it. Clear communication and a clear court order help avoid conflicts over these expenses.

Modifying a Child Support Order in Illinois

Life circumstances change – incomes can rise or fall, jobs change, or the needs of a child might evolve (for example, a child develops a health condition, or conversely a childcare expense drops once the child starts school). Illinois law allows for modification of child support orders under the right conditions, but to prevent constant re-litigation, there are standards for when a change can be made.

1. Substantial Change in Circumstances

Generally, to modify (change) an existing child support order, the parent asking for the change must show a “substantial change in circumstances.” This is the primary basis for modification in Illinois. A substantial change means something significant and ongoing has shifted since the last order.

Common examples include:

  • A big change in either parent’s income – e.g., one parent gets a much higher-paying job, or loses a job and remains unemployed for a while, or retires.
  • A change in the custody or parenting time arrangement – e.g., the parents move from one having primary custody to a near 50/50 split, which would warrant using the shared care formula now.
  • A change in the child’s needs – e.g., the child develops special needs or reaches a stage that requires greater expenses (or possibly, a reduction in expenses).
  • Other changes in expenses – e.g., childcare expenses end when a child starts school, or a parent now incurs daycare costs where they didn’t before, etc.

The change should be substantial and not just a minor or temporary fluctuation. Illinois law also notes that you cannot use predictable events (like a known future raise or a child simply getting older) as a basis to claim a change in circumstances if those were contemplated in the original order. In other words, if the original order or agreement anticipated something (like “we know Parent A’s income will go up when they finish their degree next year”), you typically can’t come back and modify just because that expected event happened – it wasn’t unforeseen.

If a substantial change is proven, the court will then recalculate support under the current guidelines to see what the new amount should be, and enter a modified order accordingly.

2. Updates After 3 Years (for HFS cases)

Illinois also has a provision that allows a support order to be reviewed and adjusted without a showing of substantial change if enough time has passed and the difference between the current order and the guideline amount is significant. Specifically, if you are receiving child support services from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (the IV-D program) – often this applies if you have a case through the state for enforcement – you can request a review after 36 months (3 years). If the recalculation under current guidelines would result in at least 20% difference (and at least $10 per month difference) from what you currently receive/pay, then the order can be modified. This rule is intended to keep long-standing orders from straying too far from what the guidelines suggest, given changes in incomes or the periodically updated support tables. However, if the existing order was already a deviation (an agreed different amount) and nothing else changed, the court might not adjust it just on this basis. For parents not in the HFS system (e.g., those who handle support privately), the 3-year/20% review is not automatic, and they’d still generally need to show a substantial change to seek modification.

3. Needing to Provide Health Insurance

Another ground for modification spelled out in Illinois law is if the child needs health insurance added to the order. If, for example, the original order didn’t address health insurance and the child is uninsured, the court can modify the order to include a requirement for insurance (and adjust support accordingly) without the normal threshold of a big change in income. This ensures that at any point, if a child isn’t covered, a parent can bring the issue to the court and get insurance provided through a support order.

Process and Timing

To modify a support order, a parent must file a petition in court (typically in the same court that issued the original order). Keep in mind that modifications are not retroactive to when the change in circumstance happened; they can usually only go back to the date you filed your petition (at earliest) or the date the other parent was notified of the request. For example, if you lost your job in January but you only filed to modify in April, and it takes until June for the court to decide, the court might make the new amount effective April (when you gave notice) but generally won’t erase the support owed between January and April. Child support isn’t automatically adjusted – you have to take action through the legal system to change it, otherwise the existing order (and amount) remains in effect.

It’s often wise to consult an attorney if you believe a modification is needed. They can advise you if your situation is likely to meet the standard and help you gather the evidence/proof of the change. Also, if both parents agree that a change is warranted (say, you both acknowledge that one parent’s income went up or down significantly), you can often submit an agreed modification to the court, which can simplify and speed up the process. But even in agreements, it’s good to have legal guidance to ensure the new calculation is done correctly and that you’re not giving up important rights.

Bottom line: Illinois child support orders can be changed when life changes substantially – but you must go through the proper legal steps. Regular reviews (every few years) can be beneficial, especially if you go through the state, to make sure the support amount stays fair as time goes on. If in doubt, seek legal advice on whether it’s time to modify your child support.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

A child support order is a legal mandate, and falling behind on payments can lead to serious consequences. Illinois provides robust enforcement tools to ensure children receive the support they’re owed. If you are the recipient of support and the other parent isn’t paying, or if you’re a payor facing enforcement actions, it’s important to understand how enforcement works.

Income Withholding

Illinois (like all states) uses income withholding as the primary enforcement method. This means that once a support order is entered, typically an Income Withholding Notice is sent to the paying parent’s employer. The employer must then deduct the support amount from the parent’s paycheck and send it directly to the State Disbursement Unit, which forwards it to the recipient. This ensures payments are regular and on time. If a parent changes jobs, they are required to inform the court or child support agency so a new notice can go to the new employer.

State Enforcement (HFS)

If you have a case with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, they can help enforce the order. They have tools like intercepting tax refunds (federal and state) to apply to child support arrears, suspending driver’s or professional licenses if someone is seriously behind, denying passport renewals for large arrears, and even reporting the debt to credit bureaus. The state can also place liens on property or bank accounts for overdue support.

Contempt of Court

When enforcement through administrative means (like withholding and license suspension) isn’t effective, the parent owed support can ask the court to enforce the order. The court can find a non-paying parent in contempt of court, which can result in fines or even jail time in extreme cases. Illinois judges do not jail someone for support non-payment unless it’s found that they willfully refused to pay despite having the ability to do so. In other words, someone who truly cannot pay (due to unemployment or disability) shouldn’t be jailed, but someone who is able to pay and chooses not to can face jail as a last resort to compel payment.

No More Interest on Arrears (Recent Change)

A noteworthy update in Illinois enforcement law is that interest is no longer charged on child support arrears (past-due amounts). Until recently, unpaid child support would accrue interest at 9% annually by statute. However, Illinois eliminated interest on child support judgments starting in 2024. This was a significant change – it means if a parent falls behind, the amount they owe is just the unpaid support, not growing with interest. The intent was to remove a punitive element and make it easier for parents who owe back support to catch up.

Important: This does NOT mean one can take support obligations less seriously. The full amount of any missed payments is still due, and enforcement actions like those mentioned (wage garnishment, license suspensions, etc.) remain in full effect. It simply means the debt won’t snowball with interest on top. Parents who are owed support should be aware of this change: you can still collect all the support you’re owed, but you won’t get statutory interest added. Parents who owe support should not treat this as a free pass – courts can still penalize non-payment severely, and the removal of interest is meant to encourage paying down the principal owed.

In summary, Illinois has strong measures to enforce child support. For the paying parent, it’s wise to never let things get to that point – if you’re having trouble paying due to a change in circumstances, seek a modification as discussed above, before arrears pile up. For the receiving parent, know that you have resources to help you – either through the state child support office or the courts – to get the support your child needs. An attorney or the state can assist in filing enforcement actions to make sure the order is followed.

When to Seek Legal Advice

While Illinois provides formulas and even an online calculator for child support, there are many situations where you should consider seeking legal counsel to protect your interests:

  • Understanding Your Rights: If you’re unsure how the law applies to your specific situation (for example, how your overtime pay or bonus might factor in, or how the other parent’s self-employment income is calculated), a lawyer can clarify this. Sometimes the basic guidelines don’t obviously cover complex income scenarios.
  • High-Income or Unusual Cases: If the combined parental income is very high, the guideline chart might max out or may not seem adequate for the child’s needs. In such cases, courts have discretion to go beyond the guideline. To advocate for a fair amount (whether you are the payor or recipient), legal advice is crucial. On the flip side, if one parent has a significant wealth or non-salary benefits (stock options, etc.), figuring out support can be complicated – an attorney will know how Illinois courts handle these.
  • Modifications and Enforcement: As discussed, if you need to change the support amount or enforce a delinquent payment, you’ll be navigating the court system. An attorney can help file the proper petitions, present evidence of income changes, or bring an enforcement motion effectively. This can be the difference in getting a timely modification or successfully recovering unpaid support.
  • Agreements Outside of Court: Some parents reach private agreements on child support that differ from guideline amounts (for example, in a trade-off for other assets in a divorce). It’s important to have a lawyer review any agreement to ensure it’s legally sound and fair. Remember, even if you agree, a court has to approve child support terms, and they will ensure it meets minimum standards.
  • Peace of Mind: Child support calculations can be one of the most contentious parts of a divorce or parentage case. Having an experienced professional handle the calculations and negotiations can reduce stress and conflict. You’ll know that your child is getting a proper amount and that you’re not paying or receiving too little or too much under the law.

In any case where you feel overwhelmed or uncertain – maybe the other parent just served you with papers, or you got a letter from HFS about a review, or you’re worried you can’t afford what’s being asked – it’s wise to at least consult with a family law attorney. Many offer initial consultations. They can give you an idea of what outcome to expect and how to protect yourself.

Contact Vantage Group Legal Services for Help

Navigating child support issues can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Vantage Group Legal Services has an experienced team of Illinois family law professionals ready to assist you. Whether you need help calculating the correct child support amount, want guidance on using the Illinois child support calculator, are seeking to modify an existing order, or need to enforce a support order against a non-paying parent, we are here to help.

Our attorneys will explain your rights and options in plain language, so you fully understand your situation and can make informed decisions. We pride ourselves on helping parents reach fair solutions that secure the financial well-being of their children.

Contact Vantage Group Legal Services online or call (773) 938-4747 today to schedule a free consultation.

We’ll provide personalized advice tailored to your circumstances and help you take the next steps with confidence. Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance – let our legal experts guide you through Illinois’s child support system so you can achieve the best outcome for you and your family.

Illinois Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Illinois uses the Income Shares model. Both parents’ net incomes are combined and applied to the state’s schedule of basic support obligations, then divided in proportion to each parent’s share of the combined income and adjusted for parenting time. See our guide to the average cost of divorce in Illinois for related expenses.

Does health insurance affect Illinois child support?

Yes. The cost of the child’s health insurance premium is added to the basic support obligation and split between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes.

How do I modify an Illinois child support order?

You can petition the court that issued the order when there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a significant change in either parent’s income or the child’s needs. An uncontested divorce in Illinois can make future modifications simpler when both parents agree.

Is there an official Illinois child support calculator?

Yes. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services offers an online Income Shares calculator. Results are estimates only, so a family law attorney can confirm your specific obligation.

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