Arlington Heights Divorce Attorney for Child Expenses

Divorce Lawyers For Childcare and Healthcare Expenses in Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows

There are a wide variety of costs involved in raising a child. When parents are married, they will typically work together to ensure that their children's financial needs are met, often by maintaining joint bank accounts from which expenses will be paid. However, when parents are divorced, separated, or unmarried, determining how to pay for these costs can become more complex. While child support payments are meant to address some of these needs, parents should also be aware of their rights and obligations regarding other types of expenses.

To ensure that your children will have the financial support they need, it is essential to work with a skilled family law attorney. At A. Traub & Associates, we can help you understand your and your ex-spouse's child support requirements and the best ways to address your children's needs.

Child Support Obligations in Illinois

In Illinois divorce and family law cases, a Basic Child Support Obligation will be calculated that is based on the combined income earned by the parents. This amount is divided between the parents according to each parent's percentage of their combined income. However, this amount is only intended to cover the costs related to children's basic, day-to-day needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

In many cases, there will be significant additional expenses that are related to raising children. In addition to the Basic Child Support Obligations, parents may be required to pay for other costs, including:

• Extracurricular activities - These are defined as activities that "are intended to enhance the educational, athletic, social, or cultural development" of children. Examples may include sports, music lessons, clubs, scouting, or drama classes. A judge may order parents to contribute reasonable amounts toward expenses related to these activities, or parents may agree in their divorce settlement that they will each contribute up to a certain amount each year.
• Medical care - Either or both parents may be required to obtain medical, dental, or vision insurance coverage for children, and the costs of insurance premiums will typically be divided between parents based on each parent's percentage of the combined income. Parents may also be required to contribute toward expenses that are not covered by insurance, such as co-pays for doctor visits, orthodontic care, glasses or contact lenses, or prescription medications.
• Childcare - Children may need to attend daycare during the day, or other types of childcare may be necessary while parents are at work. The costs of employment-related childcare will typically be divided between parents according to the percentage that each parent contributes to the combined income.

Contact a Palatine Child Support Attorney

The expenses that are required to meet children's ongoing needs can add up quickly, and both parents have an obligation to ensure that their children are provided for. If you are concerned about your ability to pay for the medical care your children need, the childcare that will allow you to work and earn an income, or the activities that will encourage your children's development, our attorneys can provide the legal help you need. We will work with you to gain a full understanding of your children's needs and advocate for their best interests throughout the divorce process. With our help, your family can be prepared for success after your divorce is complete.

Contact us today at 847-749-4182 to schedule a confidential consultation. We work with divorcing parents in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Des Plaines, Wheeling, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Long Grove, Elk Grove Village, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and throughout Northwest Cook County.