After you and your partner finalize the details of your legal separation or divorce, you must both continue to be active pillars for your minor children. By routinely paying child support, they can receive the financial assistance they need to thrive in a safe and secure environment.
In this blog, we will explore the answers to three frequently asked questions about Illinois’ child support processes:
What do the Illinois child support services do?
The state’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) can help parents establish paternity, calculate their child support amounts, locate a non-custodial parent, monitor and record payments, enforce a child support order and more.
The agency’s services are free and available for all parents and legal guardians. To seek their assistance on your active case, you may enroll online via their official website.
What if my ex stops sending their support payments?
If your ex is late on their support payments, you may ask the DCSS to enforce your child support order for you. In this process, they will utilize special collections options to obtain your ex’s past due support.
Depending on the circumstances, these options may include bank liens, driver’s and/or professional license suspension, passport denial and federal and state tax offsets.
Can I modify my child support costs?
Yes, you can. To request for a modification of your child support costs, you may open a case with the DCSS or file a petition at the court that has jurisdiction over your children.
Keep in mind that your request must be reasonable and come with proof that can justify your request. For instance, there must be a 20% change in the support amount for it to become eligible for a modification. Other valid reasons may include:
- You or your ex got laid off or fired from the job
- You or your is deployed in active military duty
- You, your ex or one of your children become disabled
- Your custody and visitation order changes
Alternatively, if your existing child support order is at least three years old, you may also request for a review and potential modification.
You and your children will be okay
Your child support order may be hard to follow when you and your children experience a notable change of circumstances. However, by understanding the rules and following the legal timeline, you can avoid setbacks in the process and adjust to your new situation with better flexibility.