Chicago Support Modification Lawyer

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.

Types Of Support Modification Cases We Handle

At Merel Family Law, we provide legal guidance to individuals and families who need to make changes to existing support orders. Whether it’s child support or spousal maintenance, we help determine if your circumstances qualify for an adjustment under Illinois law. Our firm has been serving families throughout  Illinois since 2009, and our attorneys bring over 221 years of combined experience to every case. With hundreds of five-star reviews and a reputation for reliable representation, we take pride in helping clients move forward with clarity. If you’re searching for a trusted Chicago, IL support modification lawyer, our team is here to help.

Support Changes Due To Job Loss Or Income Reduction

When someone loses a job or sees a significant drop in income, a change in support obligations, including child support modifications,  may be appropriate. We assist clients in requesting modifications that reflect their current financial situation.

Support Increases Following A Promotion Or Raise

If one party experiences a substantial increase in income, the other may be eligible for more support. We represent clients seeking adjustments to ensure updated financial conditions are taken into account.

Modifications Based On A Change In Parenting Time

If the parenting schedule has changed since the original order, support amounts may need to be recalculated. We help assess whether the time spent with each parent supports a change in financial responsibilities.

Updates Due To Remarriage Or New Family Obligations

A remarriage or the birth of additional children can influence a party’s financial obligations. We handle these types of support updates by evaluating how new family dynamics impact existing orders.

Support Adjustments For Children With Medical Or Educational Needs

It is tough enough on parents when their child develops a medical condition or it is determined that they have needs that require significant academic support but when this causes additional financial needs, the last thing the parents need to be worrying about is money.  We help parents seek increased support to cover new or unexpected expenses.

Temporary Modifications During Medical Leave Or Disability

A temporary disability or medical leave can affect someone’s ability to meet support obligations. A Chicago support modification lawyer from our team can assist in seeking short-term adjustments until the situation stabilizes.

Termination Of Support When Obligations End

When a child becomes an adult or circumstances change significantly, support may no longer be required. We work with clients to petition the court to end or reduce payments as allowed by law.

Changes In Living Arrangements

If the child now lives with a different parent full-time, we help modify the order to reflect the new living situation. These adjustments are essential to maintain financial fairness.

Modifications Related To College Contributions

Support orders sometimes include contributions toward a child’s college expenses. If there is a shift in school plans or financial need, we can help seek changes that reflect the current educational path.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Support modification cases require careful review and solid preparation. At Merel Family Law, we understand that life changes and that existing support obligations sometimes need to change with them. If you’re looking for a Chicago support modification lawyer, reach out to our team today to learn how we can help with your case.