The legal establishment of child support arrangements does not necessarily prohibit changes from being made in the future. Illinois state and federal family law guidelines account for changes in income and other factors that can impact child support payments. Consequently, it is important for custodial and noncustodial parents alike to be aware of when and how their case may be subject to child support modification.
The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement provides an overview of the child support program, and explains that there are several reasons for creating and/or amending a child support agreement. Custodial and noncustodial parents both have the right to have their child support order reviewed by their local child support enforcement office whenever substantial changes in circumstances occur. Such changes can include but are not limited to:
- Loss of employment
- Incarceration
- Raise in income
Parents are also generally given the opportunity to have their child support case reviewed after so many years. According to Illinois Child Support Services, custodial and noncustodial parents automatically become eligible to request case reviews every three years. In the event that one or both parents request a modification review, they are typically expected to provide the Illinois Division of Child Support Services with income information. They are then notified as to whether it is recommended that their child support payments should decrease, stay the same or increase. Once a review is completed, parents also generally have the right contest a redetermination and request an administrative hearing to reconsider their case.
