Child Support in Illinois
State-specific overview · Family Law
Illinois uses income shares model and requires child support to continue through age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later.
How Illinois treats Child Support
Illinois applies the income shares model, combining both parents' net incomes to calculate the base child support obligation according to statutory percentages. The state guidelines apply to combined parental income up to a cap that adjusts annually. Child support continues until the child turns 18 and graduates high school, or age 19 if still enrolled in high school full-time. Illinois courts may deviate from guidelines only upon written finding of specific statutory factors, such as the child's special needs or educational expenses.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.