Can I Get Child Support With 50/50 Custody in Illinois?

 Posted on April 10, 2025 in Child Support

Joint child custody is a common arrangement for divorcing couples because it allows both parents to remain actively involved in a child’s life. Shared custody begs the question of whether or not child support is a necessity if both parents equally share care for a child. 

The short answer is that it depends on the unique circumstances and is particularly dependent on each parent’s income. If you are seeking child support with a joint custody parenting plan, an Illinois child support attorney can help you understand what options are available to you.

How Does Illinois Law Calculate Child Support?

The court uses the same process for calculating child support in every case. The basic steps include:

• Determining the monthly net income for each parent

• Adding the net incomes together to get a monthly combined net income representative of what the total household income would be if the parents were in the same household

• Using the combined net income and number of children to find a corresponding amount on the state-mandated child support obligation schedule

• Assigning a percentage of support obligation to each parent

The child support obligation schedule works like a chart that you can cross-reference to see what percentage of income the child would’ve received if their parents were still together. The purpose is to ensure that the child's quality of life suffers as little as possible due to the parents’ divorce. 

The percentage of the total obligation assigned to each parent is proportionate to their income. Even with joint custody, if your former spouse has a higher income, they may have to make child support payments.

How Do Overnights Affect Child Support Payments?

According to Illinois law, if each parent has 146 or more overnights with their child annually, the combined support obligation is multiplied by one and a half. Once you have the final calculation for the combined support obligation, you multiply that number by the percentage of time you have with your child.

If it sounds complicated, that is because it can be. You can access a calculator online, but to ensure you get an accurate total, your best option is to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney.

How Does Joint Custody Impact Other Financial Obligations?

Child support is designed to meet the basic needs of the child or children. Both parents are still responsible for expenses that fall outside the court-ordered support plan. This may include unexpected medical bills or new extracurriculars. Parents often agree to split these obligations as they arise, but the important thing to remember is that parents who share child custody will usually end up sharing expenses for a child in addition to child support.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Child Support Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you have questions or concerns about your ability to access child support with shared parental responsibilities, a Wheaton, IL child support lawyer at Andrew Cores Family Law Group can help. These cases can get contentious and difficult to navigate. However, an experienced legal representative will help you move through the process with ease to ensure you have access to everything you need to fully support your child’s best interests. Call 630-871-1002 to schedule a free consultation today.