How Long Do I Need to Pay Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on January 28, 2025 in Family Law

One of the aspects of divorce that many parents feel particularly stressed about is child support. People tend to worry about how expensive divorce will be, and parents who need to pay child support can feel overwhelmed about how long this arrangement will factor into their personal finances. Illinois has laws and guidelines that dictate how much support you need to pay and for how long, and a knowledgeable Illinois family law attorney can help you understand them so you can plan for your financial future. 

How Long Does Child Support Last?

The general rule of thumb in Illinois is that child support continues until the child turns 18. Of course, as with all court-mandated issues related to children, your specific arrangement will be determined based on your child’s needs, and that means there can be exceptions to the rule.

For example, if the child has her 18th birthday when she is still in high school, child support payments typically continue until she either graduates or turns 19. Additionally, parents generally need to pay child support indefinitely for children with disabilities who cannot support themselves financially. 

When Does the Court Make Special Modifications?

The court can intervene and modify child support arrangements in certain situations.

Child Emancipation

There are several ways a child who is at least 16 years old can become emancipated — meaning she is legally independent. She can petition for emancipation if she gets married, enlists in the military, or moves out of her parent’s home voluntarily and supports herself financially. If that happens, the court can decide that the parent who was receiving child support will no longer receive it.

Child Independence

If the child is no longer attending school, is no longer financially dependent on her parents, or no longer requires support for whatever reason, the paying parent can petition the court to terminate or modify the child support obligation.

It is important to keep in mind that Illinois child support orders are legally binding and you could face severe consequences if you do not comply with them, even if you believe you have a valid reason to stop. If you do not pay what you are supposed to, you could be penalized with wage garnishment, your tax refund could be intercepted, and you could even face jail time. Therefore if you think your order should be modified – for example if there has been a significant change to custody arrangements or either parent’s income – petition the court and keep paying until you get a response.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Family Law Attorney

If you have been ordered to pay child support, an experienced Arlington Heights, IL divorce lawyer can help you understand your obligations and help you petition the court for a modification if necessary. At A. Traub & Associates, we know that every family has unique characteristics and needs and we are dedicated to helping you reach a favorable outcome so you can move on and start a new chapter. Call 847-749-4182 for a private consultation.