Chicago Family Lawyer for Child-Related Expenses

Chicago Family Law Attorney for Additional Child Support Costs in Chicago and Surrounding Areas

In legal proceedings between divorced, separated, and unmarried parents in Illinois, one of the court's greatest priorities is ensuring that the needs of the children are met as closely as possible as they would be in a two-parent household. In many cases, this means that parents are obligated to contribute not only to basic child support expenses, but also to additional costs related to a child's unique personal needs and accustomed lifestyle.

At The Law Offices of George J. Skuros, we understand the importance of providing for your children while also recognizing the stress that a child support order may bring to parents who are concerned about their own financial well-being. Throughout over 30 years of legal experience, we have handled child support cases for clients with a wide range of incomes, and we can help you protect your interests in pursuit of a fair support order that best serves your children.

When Child Support Exceeds the Basic Calculation

In Illinois, the state legislature and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services have established a child support calculation to determine the amount that each parent should be expected to contribute to their children's basic expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, ordinary costs of transportation, education, out-of-pocket healthcare, and extracurricular activities. However, for many families, this calculation does not fully account for all of the child-related expenses that parents share. This may be the case when a child has extraordinary needs or when the child is used to a certain standard of living due to their parents' high income.

In order to address extraordinary circumstances such as these, the court will often order child support that exceeds the basic calculation. Specifically, the court may deviate from the basic support order to account for the following costs:

• Health insurance - The court may order a parent to obtain or continue health insurance coverage for their children and require both parents to contribute to the cost of the premiums. Depending on the circumstances, this could include medical coverage as well as dental and vision.
• Extraordinary medical care - When a child has severe health problems or emergency care needs that are not fully covered by insurance, both parents may be ordered to contribute to the out-of-pocket expenses.
• Special developmental needs - For a child with special physical or developmental needs, both parents may be expected to contribute to the costs of therapy, special education, assistive technology, and other measures that promote accessibility and development.
• Extraordinary educational expenses - Private school tuition and boarding, as well as the cost of private tutors, may exceed the expenses covered in the basic child support obligation. If so, these additional expenses may be included in the child support order.
• Extraordinary extracurricular expenses - A child support order may also include additional costs for lessons, travel, and materials and equipment to support a child's athletic and cultural development outside of the classroom.
• Child care - When necessary to allow a parent to work, seek employment, or further their education, the costs of child care such as a nanny, daycare, or afterschool service may be distributed between both parents.

In some cases, parents may also be ordered to share the costs of an adult child's higher education, though these will not be included in the child support order itself.

These additional child-related expenses are often the subject of debate between parents, and you may be concerned about the possibility of an outcome in which you are expected to contribute more than you can afford. For this reason, it is important to work with an attorney who can help you make your case for a child support order that continues to serve your child's needs, ensures that the other parent pays their fair share, and protects you from financial hardship.

Contact a Des Plaines Child Support Lawyer

We can help you review all of the expenses that may be included in your child support order and negotiate on your behalf for a reasonable resolution. Contact us today at 312-884-1222 for a free consultation on your case. We represent clients in Chicago, Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg, Inverness, and throughout the North Shore, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.