“She’s just going to spend my money on herself”—How much child support is enough?

The price maybe high, but you want your child to have what he/she needs—food, clothes, transportation, housing, medical care and a good education.

It is not unusual for a single child to cost around $1.1 million, from birth through the undergrad college years; therefore, the financial support from both parents is very important.

Illinois child support laws ensure that the non-custodial parent is paying money towards the child’s food, clothes, transportation, housing, any activities, medical care, and private schooling, until the child is 18.  The amount is based on the income of both parents, deductions such as alimony or child support to another party, and the child’s standard of living.

Illinois’s child support guidelines are as follows:

·      One child: payment should be 20% of noncustodial parent’s net income

·      Two children: payment should be 28% of noncustodial parent’s net income

·      Three children: payment should be 30% of noncustodial parent’s net income

·      Four children: payment should be 40% of noncustodial parent’s net income

·      Five children: payment should be 45% of noncustodial parent’s net income

·      Six or more children: payment should be 50% of noncustodial parent’s net income

So what can you do if you’re overpaying?

In order to protect your rights as a noncustodial parent, you must call on the expertise of the attorneys at The Reese Law Center, LLC. Our attorneys know what is in your best interest and how to fight for a fair amount that will ensure your child is taken care of without breaking your bank account. So, go ahead, and give us a call (708)914-4570.

Can I Date While I Get Divorced?

Although dating while going through a divorce is not likely to have any legal impact, we would advise you to be discrete to protect yourself from other practical problems during your case.

While you may be moving on with your life, dating someone during this time period could be devastating or enraging to your spouse, and a hurt and angry spouse can turn a relatively uncomplicated divorce proceeding to an ugly and even more expensive battle.

Therefore, you have to use your judgment. Are you willing to face possible financial and emotional consequences that dating at this time will bring?

While it is completely your decision if you want to date during your case, please be advised that you should consult with your attorney and identify what possible consequences your decision could have on your case as well as what is the best way to move forward.

Our attorneys at The Reese Law Center, LLC. have the answers. If you are going through a divorce in the Chicagoland area, give  us a call (708)914-4570.