How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois child support is governed by 750 ILCS 5/505, which adopted the Income Shares model effective July 1, 2017 — replacing the earlier flat-percentage approach.
1. The Income Shares Calculation
Step-by-step:
2. Net Income (§ 505(a)(3))
Gross income minus federal/state income tax, Social Security/FICA, mandatory retirement, union dues, dependent and individual health insurance, prior-order child support actually paid, and maintenance actually paid.
3. Shared Physical Care (§ 505(a)(3.8))
When each parent exercises 146 or more overnights per year (about 40%), a shared-parenting cross-credit formula applies: the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5, prorated by income, then offset by the percentage of time with the other parent.
4. Add-Ons (§ 505(a)(3.6)-(3.7))
5. Duration (750 ILCS 5/513)
Base child support terminates at:
Section 513 separately authorizes contributions to post-secondary educational expenses (a unique Illinois provision).
6. Modification (750 ILCS 5/510)
A party may modify child support upon a substantial change in circumstances, or — for orders enforced by Title IV-D agencies — every 3 years if the recomputed amount would differ by at least 20% (or $10/month, whichever is greater).
7. Imputed Income
Voluntary unemployment or underemployment allows the court to impute income based on prior earnings, education, and local job availability.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- You share physical custody (each parent 146+ overnights)
- You are seeking college contribution under § 513
- Self-employment income disputes
- 750 ILCS 5/505
- 750 ILCS 5/510
- 750 ILCS 5/513
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.