Illinois’ laws recognize that it is impossible to plan for every possibility. Even if you create a comprehensive child support agreement, there is always a chance that your situation changes in a way that means your agreement no longer reflects your needs or your children’s needs. Therefore, the laws provide you the ability to change your child support agreement when your circumstances change.
A well-versed lawyer can work with you to understand the process for modifying child support in Cook County. Our dedicated child support attorneys can then work with you to create an agreement that reflects your family’s changing needs.
In Illinois, you cannot simply go to court and request that your child support be modified. Instead, you have to be able to prove a specific change in circumstances that can allow you to qualify for a child support modification.
The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services Child Support Services allows for the modification review of a child support order every three years or when such circumstances arise that may warrant it. Often these circumstances include a significant shift in one parent’s financial situation such as a loss of employment. It is important to note that voluntary unemployment, or even voluntary underemployment, are not reasons for modifying a child support agreement.
You should also keep in mind that child support payments that have already become due cannot be modified. An attorney can further explain the process of modifying child support in Cook County and can help you determine whether you may qualify for a modification.
When circumstances arise that may make child support modifications a consideration for you and your family, the process typically begins by filing a petition for modification of child support. This petition lays out the reasons you are requesting a modification of your child support obligations as well as the level of support you are requesting as a result of the modification.
You will need to provide many of the same documents that were necessary for determining any underlying child support awards. These documents include the certification of income and expenses. You will need to make sure that this, and any additional paperwork that may be required, are filed with the proper court that has jurisdiction over your request. Our experienced lawyers at Reidy Law Office LLC can help you throughout the process of modifying your child support order.
When you create a child support order, it is impossible to plan for all the changes that could impact you or your children’s financial future. That is why exploring all of the legal options that may be available to you when it comes to modifying a child support award is important. If you meet the required circumstances, a modification can help you make sure that your agreement continues to work for you and your family.
If you have questions about modifying child support in Cook County, the experienced lawyers at Reidy Law Office LLC can help. Reach out to us today to see how we can work with you to navigate the legal challenges of your child support concerns.
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