Like most custodial parents in Illinois, you rely on child support to help you make ends meet. However, finances can be challenging, even when you receive a regular payment from your ex. You may wonder if there is anything that you can do to get your child support increased.
Maybe your ex reported false wages to the judge during your divorce proceedings, or maybe your ex quit his or her job or temporarily took a lesser position to appear to have a lower income. Perhaps you have evidence that your ex has a higher-paying job than he or she did at the time of your divorce. You may have numerous reasons for feeling like you drew the short straw. Fortunately, it may give you a sense of relief to learn that you can apply for a child support modification in your favor.
As the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services explains, you can periodically make such a request, under certain circumstances. Generally, you can request a modification at least three years after the last time the court adjusted or made a child support order. The paying parent should not be institutionalized or incarcerated, and your youngest child should not be within six months of turning 18 at the time you are requesting the modification.
You should also know that your ex can request a child support modification if his or her situation significantly changes, as well. Modifying child support is a complex procedure that is usually decided on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this information is only meant to educate you and should not serve as legal advice.
