On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Thursday, December 26, 2019.
Judges will typically account for any type of income that a parent receives when determining how much child support that person must provide. An Illinois judge may count wage income, dividends obtained from a stock portfolio or employer contributions to a retirement plan as income. Other sources of income may also be considered if it helps create a support order that preserves the best interest of a child.
A judge may look at a parent’s tax return when determining what types of income he or she has. However, it may be possible for the person crafting a child support order to do more research into a parent’s financial situation. This may occur if a judge suspects that a person is hiding or not reporting all of his or her income. Further research may also be conducted to determine if a parent is reaching his or her true earning potential.
Income may be imputed to a parent if the facts in the case support doing so. For example, it likely wouldn’t be difficult to assert that a person with an advanced college degree could do better than working at a grocery store. Any income gifted to a parent from another family member or any other source may also be imputed for the purposes of crafting a fair child support order.
Individuals who fail to pay child support may face a variety of penalties such as the loss of professional licenses or spending time in jail. They may also be ordered to pay interest on any payments that are in arrears. A child support modification order may make it easier for parents to pay what they owe in a timely manner. Obtaining a modified support order may be easier with the help of a family law attorney.
