Many who are considering divorce worry about the impact divorce will have on their children financially. Beyond the basics of food, shelter and clothing typically covered by child support, many wonder if their child will be able to attend private schools, participate in activities such as sports, dance or music, travel on school field trips or even to attend college.
Of course, having children attend child care or schools that are the right fit or participate in various extracurricular activities is important to their development, but does that mean that both parents have to agree to pay for them? What if one parent does not want to contribute to their child’s extracurricular activities or schooling – is there anything the other parent can do to get more financial support for programs that are in the child’s best interests?
First understand that Illinois follows the income sharing approach which considers both parents income when determining child support. Beyond providing for the basics, the court often requires one or both parents to contribute to the child’s health care, child care, education and extracurricular expenses as well as college tuition when one or both parents have the means. These variable costs take into account any reasonable costs above basic support costs incurred on behalf of a child, which can include, but is not limited to, child care, tuition, specials needs or other activities that involve substantial costs.
That said, it is important to work with an experienced child support attorney who can help you to obtain the support you need on behalf of your child so that they can continue to enjoy the benefits of both parents’ financial support. An experienced family law attorney will work with parents to consider the child’s short and long term financial needs to obtain additional support so that their child can participate in programs or schools that are in their best interests. If have questions regarding Illinois child or spousal support, contact the Libertyville family law office of Schlesinger & Strauss LLC for immediate assistance at 847-680-4970.
