Child support question Illinois

HistoricalRich280 · 2026-03-17T08:26:06+00:00

I think that yes you should make the moves sooner than later, but that could still be awhile ( like months/years) if you await family court/custody orders until you split.

Things to think about here - the long game with your child (and co parent).

If you are the one wanting the split, and she is unaware and not working while caring for your nine month old baby, this is a delicate situation.

Is the mom aware that you are wanting to separate? Agreed to it?

If not, maybe make a longer exit plan, set aside money/retain an attorney. Your best bet at custody is if Mom is agreeable to a decent plan, perhaps a step up given babies age. Your money might be better spent having some cash on hand to offer mom to offset expenses when you split, then spending years in a drawn out custody battle.

Im not sure who is covering expenses where you currently live, but I’m sure you don’t want to leave the post partum mother of your child struggling to have a roof over her head so I would consider her needs in terms of expenses while considering your options.

wescowell · 2026-03-17T00:04:09+00:00

Hire a lawyer.

Overnights are not out of the question depending on your involvement now. Her benefits count as income. Your insurance premiums will be factored into the support calculation. She can spend the support money on whatever she wants and doesn’t have to account to you or the court.

Hire a lawyer.

dday_throwaway3 · 2026-03-16T23:00:53+00:00

Don't move out before custody is final. It's one of the worst mistakes you can make. Here's why: https://www.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/1c1u1g6/fundamentals_do_not_move_out/

Just replace "divorce" with "parenting plan".

TimeCycle3000 · 2026-03-16T21:10:23+00:00

At 9 months old the child should be on solids and eating baby food, etc, at least. My kids were all different. Shouldn’t be a year for you to have overnights.

Hopeful_Divorce · 2026-03-16T21:03:31+00:00

Survivor benefits for other children do not count as income in Illinois. I would strongly recommend you talk to a lawyer who has practiced in your area and has been before the judges in your area a lot. You should ask for a consultation, bring your recent tax returns and pay stubs.and get an idea if there are other ways to reduce support. It is unlikely that you will be able to have income imputed to her with a 9 month old, although that may vary by judge.And if you ask for her to have income imputed you may not get it now but asking for it early can increase the odds of getting it later when the child is a little older. Child support calculations are pretty cut and dry but there are ways a lawyer can sometimes tweak it to help you out.

I would also find out your odds of getting overnights with your child. I've seen cases where a judge ordered a 2-2-3 schedule with a breastfed baby under one year old. She can pump or formula will not kill your child. It depends on the judge but don't assume she has a slam dunk for no overnights. Again, a lawyer who knows your judges is going to be able to help you.

Lawyers are freaking expensive. If you can afford to retain one go for it. A lot of people can't. If you can't drop $5K-$10K to retain one, at least pay for a consultation. Ask if they will do limited scope representation. That means they will be sort of like a consultant, you will represent yourself but the lawyer will review your paperwork and advise you on how to improve it before you file it. They can tell you what to say to the judge. It's a lot more affordable.

Title	Child support question Illinois
Author	Keylimekeek
Upvotes	5
Comments	5
Date	March 16, 2026 8:17 PM UTC (4 months ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/1rvkvvv/child_support_question_illinois/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/child-support-question-illinois.1575673 https://theredarchive.com/post/1575673

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