Child custody and support in Illinois
Custody of the Children In Illinois
In the state of Illinois, parties may agree to either joint or sole legal and physical custody. Legal custody gives parents the right to participate in decision-making issues regarding the children. Legal custody is not the same as physical custody, which determines where a child will live and how much time he or she spends with another parent who is not the residential parent. In a contested situation, the court may award either joint or sole legal custody. The court also determines physical custody arrangements.
The court determines custody based on the best interest of the child, keeping in mind the wishes of the parent as well as those of a mature child. The court also considers a bond between the parent, child, and any siblings as well as the child’s adjustment to home, school, neighborhood, and siblings.
Illinois Child Support Guidelines
Illinois has standard state child support guidelines. These guidelines will apply in almost every case. Following these guidelines, both spouses’ gross income will be used in calculating certain child-related expenses. Child support continues until the child reaches at least age 18 or until the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Support may be extended through the child’s secondary education.