Law Firm of Wendy R Morgan

- SUPPORT -

Child Support

            In the State of Illinois, when the parties have minor children, whether it is a Dissolution of Marriage action, Legal Separation, or Paternity case, Child Support is almost always ordered. The purpose of Child Support is to assure that the child or children share in their level and standard of living of both of their parents. The Law Firm of Wendy R. Morgan has assisted numerous families deal with Child Support issues and protect the interests of their children.
The State of Illinois has set out Child Support Guidelines for payments by non-custodial or non-residential custodial parents to the custodial or residential parents. The Guidelines require Child Support Payments for one child in the amount of 20%, two children in the amount of 28%, three children in the amount of 32%, and four or more children in the amount of 40% of the other parent’s net income from all sources.
            Child Support is based on the net income of the non-residential and/or non-custodial parent. Our experienced Family Law staff works with our clients to determine the issue of net income to be able to determine the amount of Child Support to be paid.
The definition of net income is income from all sources minus State and Federal Taxes, Social Security and Medicare payments, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, health care monthly premiums, and prior Child Support obligations.
Nevertheless, guidelines are only guidelines. Our attorneys can assist the parents to determine the appropriate Child Support Payments for each parent’s specific economic situations. Issues such as illness, children from another marriage, high income (either by the party required to pay child support by the party entitled to receive child support), the ages of the children and the non-custodial parent’s income potential can have a substantial impact on Child Support awards.
            The Court’s goal in dealing with Child Support issues is to provide that the children can be able to maintain a level of income that represents a contribution from both parents while providing the non-custodial or non-residential parent with an ability to support himself or herself and his or her family.
Our law firm has also assisted individuals modify their existing Child Support Agreements, as well as enforcing existing Orders. In the State of Illinois, our State Disbursement Unit (SDU) provides an effective tool to collect Child Support, and we can make sure the other parent lives up to their Child Support obligations by utilizing these and other services.

            Whether you are seeking to establish child support or modify a prior child order, either upward or downward, our attorneys have your best interest at heart and will provide knowledgeable experience and skilled representation.

- MAINTENANCE -

           Formerly known as alimony, is available to spouses in amounts and for periods of time as may be appropriate. Maintenance, which may be deductible by the spouse who pays it and taxable income to the recipient, may be awarded to parties in long term marriages, particularly where there is a gross disparity in income and ability to earn income in the future. The age, health, prior work history and work ability of the spouse is also considered. The main purpose of maintenance is to rehabilitate to allow the spouse to go back to work and earn sufficient income to provide for their own support. If the spouse has no potential to support themselves, the maintenance is considered to be permanent in nature. The Court looks at the property awarded to each party, the needs and abilities of the parties, as well as other significant factors to determine the need for, amount and duration of maintenance.

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Locally - 847-259-5700
or
Toll Free - 1(800) WR MORGAN / 1(800) 976-6742
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- Office Hours 8:30 am to 5:30 pm CST -

- Evening Appointments Available -