Child Support Attorneys in Illinois

Child support is very important in cases in which one parent gets primary custody of their children after a divorce. To ensure that you get the child support you are entitled to, it helps to work with an experienced family law attorney. Our child support attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. have more than 30 years of experience in family law and can provide legal representation for child support cases in Schaumburg, IL and the surrounding area. Child Support Law

Child support refers to payments that custodial parents receive from non-custodial parents after a divorce to help provide for their children. In many cases, the custodial parent depends on child support payments to pay for the necessities, healthcare, and education that the child needs. If you need representation to secure child support payments in a divorce or to settle a dispute regarding child support, our attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. can help.

Our child support attorneys understand the legal processes behind child support such as how the amount of the payment is determined, how payments are enforced, and how the amount of the payment can change. We will work with you to understand your unique situation and explain how the legal processes will apply to you. We can also handle the necessary paperwork and documentation to prepare your case.

New Illinois Law Regarding Child Care and Health Insurance

Under Illinois law, both parents are obligated to financially provide for their children. Once the child custody arrangement is determined, the custodial parent is entitled to receive child support from the non-custodial parent to ensure that both parents are providing for their children financially.

Child support payments must be utilized by the custodial parent to pay for expenses for the children and ensure they have a stable home, including:

Mortgage or rent where the custodial parent and children live
Utilities including electricity, gas, and water
Educational expenses for the children including tuition and supplies
Food expenses
Medical expenses

As of January 1, 2022, parents in Illinois must by law either maintain or obtain health insurance for their children during child support proceedings, divorce proceedings, child custody proceedings, or any other Illinois Court proceeding involving child support. The health insurance can be private insurance or public insurance such as Medicaid.

How are Child Support Payments Calculated?

An Illinois law that went into effect in 2017 redefined how child support is determined. The net income of both parents as well as the amount of parenting time are main factors in determining the amount of child support payments.

The net income of both parents is added up to determine the combined net income and a Basic Child Support Obligation using factors created by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services that may include living arrangements, educational expenses, and healthcare expenses. Each parent is responsible for a percentage of the Basic Child Support Obligation based on their income. The custodial parent will receive the percentage of the obligation from the non-custodial parent to be used for the care of the children.

When determining an amount for child support, the court will consider the best interests of the children first. Our child support attorneys will help ensure that you get a fair amount that is beneficial for your children.

How are Child Support Payments Enforced?

Once decided by the court, child support payments are mandatory. Failure to make child support payments is considered contempt of court and you may become fined or incarcerated as a result. We provide representation for custodial parents who are not receiving their child support payments to help them take the right legal steps to resolve the issue.

You can take the non-custodial parent to court for child support enforcement for the following:

The paying parent purposefully refuses to pay child support with no lawful excuse.
They go for more than 6 months without paying child support or owe more than $5000.
They leave the state to avoid paying child support.

If this happens, you can file a form with the Illinois Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) and talk to our attorneys for legal help. Child support payments can be enforced by the court or through administrative action through the DCSS. Depending on the situation, there are several ways that either the court or the DCSS can enforce the payment. The following are the most common actions taken:

Wage garnishment: This is when the DCSS contacts the employer of the paying parent and works out a deal so that the child support money comes directly from their paycheck. Employers must cooperate with DCSS by law, and they may be fined if they do not cooperate.
License suspension: The government can revoke state issued licenses, including driver’s licenses, if someone has missed child support payments for 90 days. The paying parent will get a warning first that gives them 60 days to pay child support, or their license will be revoked.
Financial partnerships: The courts can pursue businesses and financial partners of the paying parent if their finances are connected to these entities. This can include requiring assets to help pay off child support.
Criminal charges: Criminal charges are usually a last resort and reserved for cases in which the paying parent leaves the state or owes more than $10,000. Those criminally charged for failing to pay child support can get a class four felony and up to 6 months in jail or fines of up to $25,000.

In addition to providing representation for custodial parents seeking child support payments, we can also represent non-custodial parents who are having trouble making their child support payments.

How do Child Support Payments Change?

Child support payment amounts are determined by the current circumstances, including the net income of both parents. If those circumstances change, it is possible to adjust the payment amount. Non-custodial parents will need to prove to the courts that their circumstances have substantially changed, whether due to financial status or medical care expenses.

We can provide representation for those looking to adjust their child support payments and help you make your case to the court.

Child Support for College Expenses

In most cases, child support payments end either when the child graduates high school or turns 18, which ever happens second. However, Illinois law does allow the court to order one or both parents to pay support for college expenses well into the adulthood of their children.

This type of support must be requested by one of the parents, not the child. The court considers several factors when it comes to child support for college expenses including whether the existing divorce judgement includes anything about college costs for the children. If there is an agreement within the divorce judgement concerning paying for college, a judge may order you to honor the agreement. If no agreement exists, the court will consider the resources and needs of the parents and child as well as college expenses. The child’s academic record may also be considered as the court is more likely to award support if the child has a good academic record. Only unmarried students under the age of 23 can receive this type of support and the money must be used for approved expenses related to college. The age limit can be increased to 25 with good cause.

Our attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. can help advise you on requesting and obtaining child support for college expenses.

Special Needs and Deviations

We discussed above how child support payments are typically calculated in Illinois and in most cases, the courts stick to these methods. However, deviations from the typically methods of calculating child support can be made in some cases. To request a deviation, you must demonstrate good reason that the typical guidelines would be “inequitable, unjust, or inappropriate” for your specific situation. Our attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. can help you make your case for child support deviation.

In cases in which divorced parents have a child who is disabled, parents can be ordered by the court to continue to provide non-minor support no matter the age of the child. Child support typically ends when the child turns 18, but it can continue for disabled non-minor children. For a child to be eligible for this support, they must have an “impairment that substantially limits a major life activity” and the disability must have started while the child was qualified for standard child support or college expense support. Non-minor children who suffer a disability after the age of 18 and who are not receiving college expense support are not eligible.

The court will consider the following when determining the calculation for non-minor support for a disabled child:

The needs and resources of each parent including retirement arrangements
The standard of living of the child had no divorce occurred
The expected needs and resources of the child
Benefit and aid programs the child may be eligible for including Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you have a disabled child who still needs support after their 18^th birthday, our attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. can help you secure non-minor support.

Legal Representation for Child Support Cases

Our child support attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. have the experience and expertise to provide legal representation in cases involving child support. We will consider the best interests of you and your children as we help you take the legal steps to securing an appropriate child support payment. We will take care of the necessary documentation and help prepare your case to attain a favorable solution.

Whether you are a custodial parent who needs representation to secure child support payments or a non-custodial parent who needs representation to modify the payments, our attorneys can help. You can reach Allen Gabe Law, P.C. at (847) 241-5000, Ext 121 for legal representation in Schaumburg, IL and the surrounding area.

Related Child Support Services and Articles:

Child Custody Lawyers Arlington Heights, IL
Child Custody Lawyers Hoffman Estates, IL
Child Custody Lawyers Barrington, IL
Child Custody Lawyers Bartlett, IL
Child Custody Lawyers Palatine, IL
Child Support Lawyers Schaumburg, IL
Resolving Child Custody Disputes with High Conflict Couples
Child Custody for Fathers
The Difference Between Child Custody and Co-Parenting

Allen Gabe Law P. C.

4.3

Kaili Kaminski

22:46 25 Jan 18

When you need a keen legal mind with your best interest at heart, Allen Gabe is the go-to man. I have known Allen on a professional level since 2010, and have been able to engage with him on several occasions as a client. Allen has always been upfront, balanced, and doesn't waste time or money. I have referred him many times, and have heard from other colleagues, and acquaintances that he has also been great to work with. I also appreciate that he participates in and is active in his industry, and within the community on social support matters.

Aristides Assimacopoulos

04:11 15 Jan 18

Mr Gabe is an outstanding attorney. I know that the words "honest" and "attorney" are not always associated but I consider Mr Gabe extremely honest. I used him for a divorce which was very complicated and a business contract. I never ever had any concerns about his billing which was always appropriate and reasonable. Besides being an excellent attorney, he is a very personable human being who treats people with respect. During the divorce proceedings, I had to unwillingly change attorneys for reasons beyond my and Mr Gabe's control (long story). Mr Gabe, instead of dropping me like a hot potato or being upset, was gracious and helpful even in this circumstance. He assisted me in finding several good options for another attorney to represent me. I highly recommend him as being honest, competent and reasonable. I would send any of my friends or family members to him without hesitation and I will continue to utilize his services for any future matters that I have.

Zach Youngblood

16:54 04 Jan 18

I have known Allen for several years and to put it simply: There is no one I trust more to take care of my friends, family and personal legal matters than Allen Gabe. Specifically Divorce and Family Law. I have the utmost respect for him and he is truly First Class all the way. His office is extremely responsive. His vast experience, integrity and professionalism are a great comfort to those he represents.

mike kies

15:12 08 Jan 18

Allen Gabe is an outstanding attorney, his experience in family, business and corporate law and litigation is second to none. I have worked with Allen in a variety of areas and his biggest strength is his ability to connect, engage and represent his clients in a way that is ethical, with a high level of respect and cooperation which has created outstanding results to all parties he has served!

Tom Gosche

16:13 11 Jan 18

Allen is an outstanding lawyer. Not only is he knowledgeable, he can think outside the box. He asked lots of questions and came up with a solution that saved me thousands of dollars. I cannot recommend Allen and his staff enough!

Pamela Ryan

23:13 22 Aug 18

Allen Gabe is the best Lawyer we have ever had! He represented us in Lake County and we could not be happier with the results! He fights for Fathers rights and that support meant everything to us! His office staff was always respectful and responsive to all our questions and needs. If you want a lawyer that you can TRUST and know he has your best interest in all aspects... you need to retain Allen!Thank you Allen for representing us and we now have you in our corner for any future needs.Sincerely,Dennis and Pam

M Gonzalez

03:44 12 Sep 18

M Gonzalez

17:07 18 Sep 18

M Gonzalez

12:10 21 Sep 18

M Gonzalez

20:06 13 Dec 18

M Gonzalez

16:29 17 Dec 18

M. Jackson

23:48 26 Jan 19

Mr. Gabe sold me during the consultation in that he could and would be able to take over my family matter case. Upon hiring him I expressed my immediate concerns regarding parenting time and the need to address this with the opposing attorney, that never occured. In the span of 3 months I still do not know where my child resides nor was a schedule decided upon for parenting time. Secondly the charges discussed in the consult were not the actual charges I recieved. For example, I was charged for travel time to/from court plus parking to the tune of $700 in addition to his standard fee to appear in court totaling $1500 for just 1 appearance. There were also several other charges and the depletion of my retainer for "review" that never manifested itself into conversations with the apposing attorney, myself, or results. There was a lack of commuincation and I feel as though my concerns were not being heard and the service or lack there of reflects this. I understand the process can be long and dragged out but to be in the dark throughout, doesn't show professionalism or a care and concern for the outcome of my case. When I choose to seek new counsel he took it upon himself to use an additional $1200 of my retainer to formally withdraw unnecessarily as my new counsel had already filed her appearance. The lack of communication and unreasonable practices were consistent throughout the 3 months he represented me.

robert jenkins

17:57 28 Jan 19

unprofessional, cocky, unreasonable, worse experience. Stay away from this from this guy at all cost! Stole my money! I'm in the process of filing a formal complaint on this guy. He did NOT have my best interest in my case. I'm really question the validity of his other reviews.

Patrick Panayotov

19:12 18 Feb 19

Expert advice and great communication is what comes to mind when working with Allen. He is fantastic at listening to the issue at hand, and formulating a productive plan on how to move forward. He is clearly a subject matter expert but has the rare ability to communicate the legalese in an easy to understand manner.

Melissa P

19:20 06 Mar 19

Like another reviewer, I too question the validity of all the great reviews about Allen Gabe. I hired him because I thought he was an honest guy full of integrity and truly wanted to do what’s best for me. BOY WAS I FOOLED! If you have a ton of money to waste on him, go for it. But that’s all he wants, and is all he is concerned about ......... the money!!!!! And be careful becuase he charges for administrative services such as mailing fees etc, which I found out too late is a no no. I was making payments while he was “representing” me, but it wasn’t good enough. One day out of the blue, I suddenly get a notice that demands payment in full (upwards of 20,000) within five days or he will no longer represent me ((and was so close to the end of finalizing my divorce). Obviously I don’t have have that type of cash, and a judgement was filed against me without noitice or even time for me to respond. At this point I had already made about 12000 in payments! So it’s not like I wasn’t trying. Today, he still continues to not accept a payment plan and also continues to accrue 9% interest per year. He’s a hypocrite too. He once told me throughout my divorce proceedings that he cant squeeze water out of a rock (referring to my now ex husband who fought to not have to accept any financial responsibilities for his 3 kids). But right now, he is sure doing everything in his power to squeeze water out of a rock. Bottom line.....he does not care about you. He cares ONLY about the money.

Mia M

21:42 28 Mar 19

I highly recommend Allen Gabe. He is very well organized, well prepared, extremely thorough and knowledgeable of Illinois divorce law. With compassion and great dedication, he helped me navigate an extremely difficult divorce spanning several years involving complicated financial and parenting issues. He was a tremendous asset and comfort to me during court room appearances and used his many years of experience to achieve a very positive result. Great attorney!

M Gonzalez

04:29 31 Mar 19

I have had the opportunity to have worked with Mr Gabe.He will use your children and use parental alienation tactics, taking your kid for a ride while double dipping in both the petitioner's and respondent's bank accounts during divorce court proceedings.. Unfortunately your family will spend a lot of money when working with this guy. He likes to inflame the divorce proceedings to his financial gain. I find him difficult to work with when he uses parental alienation and puts children right in the middle of proceedings. If you have children, be careful of this guy, he is willing to put your kids through the low road, during a divorce and you have to ask yourself if that’s the price you’re willing to pay?Good luck on your search for a proper divorce lawyer.Update: As you can see, Mr Gabby is willing to put his client’s and his client’s parents identity, who have a hell of a back story,on what they did up against a court order of keeping the details confidential. He tried hard to double dip to get money from both sides of this divorce. I have the petitions where he tries. He outright omits facts in his handling of court orders. He is a lawyer who partakes in parental alienation. If you’re a lawyer who never has worked against him, double check his writing of court orders. He will will omit facts and change things if you’re not looking. Plus his penmanship for a professional is horrible. It's really chicken scratch to be considered "professional".And what is the best way to take away someone’s creditably? Try to say they have erratic behavior. Nice try to deflect this poor performance review on yourself Mr Gabe. You need to accept responsibility of the parental alienation you help take part against my son and your poor professional ethics you display.By using my name , you just outed your client. Well done. How easy it is to Google my name to find your client's name.Update March 30, 2019. As of today, Mr Gabe and his firm has still not provided the paperwork that is due to me to receive the money I am owed in this divorce. I still have not received any paperwork to sign, transferring ownership of certain items. If you choose to hire him, double check his work. If your up against him, warn your lawyer that he is shady and will omit facts to his benefit. If you are getting a divorce and you have kids, ask yourself, do you love them? Because this guy has and will encourage to put your kids, right in the middle. And that's not what you want to do to your children. Not young children who are old enough to remember. They are the most important thing in any divorce with children. Remember that before you start fighting with your spouse over any divorce litigation. If you're reading this and about to start a divorce, God bless you. It's rough on any family and remember, your children come first. Mr Gabe will try to encourage you to use your child and put them in the middle. I implore you, don't let him do it. The damage is long lasting to any child. Think hard and God Bless.

Amy B.

18:49 05 Apr 19

After struggling with my initial divorce attorney, I started searching for new representation. A co-worker referred me to Allen. After meeting with Allen, I knew immediately I needed to make a change. Although at first you may think his humor is a little dry, he is professional, very knowledgeable and, at times, quite witty.Once he had a chance to review my documents, he noticed that my case was filed incorrectly by my first attorney. He submitted the proper court documentation to finally get my divorce moving in the right direction. I have just completed my case and I would recommend Allen to any of my friends and family that would need legal advise. My proceeding was not easy and I was happy to have Allen on my side.I want to thank Allen and his team for all the support. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case.

Marlene S

19:04 18 Apr 19

Allen’s expertise and advice is very much appreciated. Excellent attorney, would definitely recommend for any real estate law necessities!!

Lauren Cox

16:53 18 Oct 19

Allen has been a lifesaver for my family and I. I had to switch attorneys, as I needed an attorney that understood that I was in a war battle(not the typical divorce). Hiring Allen was the best decision I made concerning my case. While hiring expert counsel like Allen is not cheap, he is not just about the money(like many attorneys are). Allen not only fought for me, but he fought for my child as well. Allen was precise and tactical, and his methods yielded great results in my case. If you need a fierce but compassionate litigator Allen is the perfect choice.

Bill Hagerott

13:38 12 Oct 20

What I have most valued about Allen (unlike many of the attorneys I've met) is that he provides truly objective assessments and gives viable options for very difficult divorce-related decisions, even when the client (me) doesn't like it. This is incredibly valuable to me and sets him apart.

Dave Tripp

22:43 24 Feb 21

Our son engaged Allen Gabe as his attorney in a recent divorce case. He learned of Mr. Gabe through a reference from a neighbor who was very satisfied with Mr. Gabe's representation. As we provided moral support for our son throughout the divorce process, we were highly impressed with Mr. Gabe's competence and integrity. From the onset of the case, his knowledge and application of the law were above and beyond expectations. He never failed to answer our questions and acted on challenging situations that arose quickly and with expertise. Mr. Gabe was very well prepared in multiple court appearances and it was easy to observe the mutual trust and respect shown to him, notably from the Judge as well as other attorneys. He can easily weed through the "drama” and stick to the facts, and give sound legal advice. He is a calm counselor who represented our son well and was invested in his well-being. We might add that his paralegal Jennifer was extremely thorough and outstanding. We would not hesitate to recommend others to hire Mr. Gabe in any legal issue. He is trustworthy, an excellent attorney, as well as an incredible human being.

Kari-Ann Ryan

17:26 11 Mar 21

Allan Gabe and his team are true professionals. I have referred him to friends an family and I am always confident they will be well taken care of. I highly recommend them!

Black Gold

23:40 28 May 21

The most unethical and most expensive lawyer ever!! I had hired him for my divorce case and he lost me everything. He kept pushing my court dates for his personal reasons with no transparancy. Then he threatened to withdraw throughout my case and on the 1st day of trial, judge refused his withdrawal. After that, he performed terribly during trial, but charged me more than 50k for trial. Please save your money and do not hire him.

Medini Sardeshpande

00:14 29 May 21

I hired Mr Gabe as my attorney and the case went on for almost 3 years majorly because of multiple continuances due to his sickness. Instead of being transparant & honest, he took many decisions without consulting me! He hid the important information from opposing counsels and failed to provide my documents; that ended in more litigation and affected final outcome of the case. He filed MANY motions with multiple hrs, revisions and dollars spent; but did not follow through any of them. He would only forward all emails with no review comments and absolutely no strategies! And then overly charge for response prepared with my review comments. He spent many $'s preparing for trial, but hardly opened his mouth during the entire trial. He did not have best interest in my case and ONLY cared about his fees!His total charges in my case were above $150k and even though I was paying every invoice received on time, he lost my entire case! His hourly rates are very high ($450) and he even charges for commute ($350), parking, tolls, printouts, files etc ridiculously high! He ordered trial transcripts during the trial; which he did not even bother to read.Highly unprofessional, unethical, rude, disloyal, greedy - please please stay away from him. Please don't get fooled by his fancy office setup and peppy talks!

Jessica Schildgen

21:35 01 Jun 21

Mr. Gabe is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in his field and it is such a pleasure to work with him. He’s detail-oriented, professional and will tell you what you need to know! Thank you for your support!

A W

02:39 26 May 22

5 solid stars, everyone is so helpful.

Linda Dressler

18:38 11 Jun 22

When you need someone professional, experienced and knowledgeable in your corner, this is the man for the job. Allen Gabe is the one to hire! I have closed dozens of real estate transactions with him over the years - and highly recommend him!

Jeannette Duncan

17:21 21 Jul 22

I began the interview process for a lawyer after filing for divorce per se and phone interviewed Mr Gabe first, as a referral from a good friend. Within 45 minutes of the call ending, Mr Gabe called me back with information about my ex that I wasn't at all aware of. I hired him without interviewing any further lawyers. I also knew I was bringing in a 'heavy hitter' which my ex was not expecting. Filing for Divorce and Hiring Mr Gabe are the best two decisions I have made in a few decades.The divorce process took 3X longer than it should have and had several ugly turns along the path. Mr Gabe has an affect that continued to keep me 'off the ledge'. Heaven knows how many calls started with me crying and then with his kindness and knowledge would I 'Rise Up' at the end of the call.Divorce is not what I ever had planned, but eventually became necessary and I had Guardian Angels send Mr Gabe to me to see it through. For my process, he was not only the divorce lawyer but also fought for fairness and rights for me.

Gina Manon

20:10 03 Oct 22

Just like all the money hungry lawyers in the “Devil’s Advocate “He truly doesn’t care. Doesn’t listen. Only hears chaching!So make sure you have plenty of CASH$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!So whoever bothers to read this review Good luck! 🪦

J Cubs

12:32 15 May 23

If your looking to retain an attorney that will fight for your rights; Allen Gabe is your man.In my case, there is a child that I didn't know of until the State of Illinois Child Support came after me 2.5 year after the child was born. It was a one night stand thing.Anyhow, after 14 years of not hearing anything and paying my support, I get a letter saying I wasn't paying my fair share and plaintiff was sureing for not keeping current. Basically, the mother wanted more money.I hire Mr. Gabe, and it was the best thing I ever did. After several months of negotiating, we reach an agreement which I was good with. Allen fought every inconsistency the other attorney was telling the court.His representation is worth every penny.

Michele Domaracki

17:13 28 May 14

I worked with Allen for over a year on my divorce. From our first meeting I began to feel better about the unfortunate situation I found myself in. I could not have been more pleased. He helped simplify a difficult situation and gave me complete confidence and security. He communicated well, made order out of chaos and encouraged me along the way. His team was also professional, friendly and helpful. I'll always be grateful to Allen and his team for helping me get through the most difficult time in my life. If you find yourself in a challenging legal situation, you want a man like Allen on your side, believe me!

Donna Marek

20:36 29 May 24

This case was almost 20 years in the making. 20 years of physical ,emotional, financial and psychological abuse by the father of my 3 children.I met Mr.Gabe and he assured me that I had already won but it takes time, patience and faith in our justice system.He did not lie and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I won in every area I was seeking. Justice against my abuser. It was served today.

Gary Newland

16:00 26 Jul 24

great lawyer that knows the law and cares about people! I highly recommend Allen Gabe.

Paul Gude

13:33 06 Oct 24

Allen Gabe helped me with the closing of my house. Not only did he explain every part of the process, but his attentiveness and good humor made what could have been a very tedious process a pleasant one!

Brian Corley

04:59 16 Oct 24

He is a terrible attorney, he will continue your case without consulting you. He won’t fight for you he will sit and say nothing. He will charge you for minor charges. The absolute worst attorney ever.

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