Support Modification Lawyer Chicago, IL
Legal Help Modifying Spousal Or Child Support In Illinois
When a Chicago family law judge assigns an amount of spousal or child support, they do so using a few different factors, primarily the recipient’s needs and the payer’s income. Life changes, though, and the circumstances you were in when your divorce judge set your child support or alimony may be quite different now. Illinois permits child and spousal support amounts to be changed, reduced, or eliminated, depending on your situation. However, there are some substantial hurdles to increasing the amount you receive or decreasing the amount you pay; the requirements are fairly stringent. Our Chicago, IL, support modification lawyer can help you get your court orders adjusted to better reflect your financial circumstances.
At Merel Family Law, we support families like yours, guiding you through the Illinois family law system. Our attorneys help you protect your child and ensure they enjoy the best possible quality of life. Please contact our firm today to discuss your support modification concerns.
Illinois Laws Covering Modification Of Support
The amount the paying parent or spouse pays the recipient in alimony, child support, or both depends on how much money they make, including side gigs, commissions, and tips. Unless one parent petitions the court for a modification of support, the payment amount is fixed until the termination of the support order.
Illinois family law recognizes that life changes and people’s financial situations do, too, and so permits both recipients and payers to petition the court for an adjustment in the amount of support if they can demonstrate a significant change in material circumstances OR if it has been at least three years since the initial support order was issued.
You must prove, with supporting evidence, that you experienced at least a 15% change in your material situation. However, you must also demonstrate that you experienced a significant change in earning potential. These requirements apply to both the payer and recipient.
How Our Chicago Support Modification Lawyer Helps You
Unfortunately, you can’t just petition the court for a change in child support if you lose your job. The court doesn’t just consider your current employment status but also your employability and earning potential. For example, suppose you are a construction worker and lose your job due to a layoff. In that case, a judge may not approve your petition, as they may view you as still capable of engaging in gainful employment and making around the same amount. However, suppose you are a construction worker permanently disabled due to a workplace accident and can no longer complete the duties required for your job. In that case, a judge may grant a petition to reduce the support you pay (or increase the support you receive) because your material circumstances have significantly changed.
As your legal representatives, we collect the evidence necessary to prove the change in circumstances required to have your petition for support modification approved. We draft the petition, present it to the judge on your behalf, and counter the arguments made by the other side.
At Merel Family Law, we’re committed to protecting you and your family. With more than 15 years delivering compassionate and innovative legal representation in the family law sector, we’re uniquely qualified to achieve the best possible result for your petition. Please call us today to speak with our Chicago support modification lawyer.
