Determining the appropriate amount for the financial support of a child in Illinois involves a specific calculation method. The state employs an income shares model, which estimates the amount parents would have spent on the child if the family remained intact. This model considers the combined net income of both parents and then allocates a portion of the support obligation to each parent based on their respective contributions to the total income. For instance, if the combined net income is $6,000 per month and the guidelines suggest a child support obligation of $1,000, a parent contributing 60% of the income would be responsible for $600 of the support.
The necessity of ensuring adequate financial resources for children following parental separation or divorce is paramount. This systematic approach promotes fairness by considering both parents’ financial circumstances and striving to maintain a consistent standard of living for the child. Historically, child support calculations were less uniform, leading to inconsistencies and potential inequities in support orders. The modern income shares model aims to rectify these issues and provide a more predictable and equitable outcome.
