How Do Medical Expenses Affect Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on July 15, 2020 in Child Support

A divorce involves many issues that need resolving, especially when children are involved. When determining child support, the financial status of both parents is seriously considered. If the non-custodial parent is providing support, the child’s medical expenses may cause an additional financial burden. These additional expenses could cause the judge to lessen the amount of support given to the custodial parent. Whether you are the non-custodial or the custodial parent, it is important to consult with a skilled family law attorney if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child support payments.

Determining Support

Child support calculations can be incredibly complex. Within the state of Illinois, child support payments are usually paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to provide additional financial support for the child’s basic needs such as food and clothing. Payments can also be used to fund tuition, transportation, housing expenses, extracurricular activities, and medical care costs. These factors, as well as the net income of both parents, will be used to determine the amount of support the custodial parent will receive from the non-custodial parent. 

Types of Medical Expenses

Typically, there are two types of medical expenses that the courts will address within the child support order: health matters with insurance and health matters without insurance. When the parent has health insurance, the medical expenses that he or she has to cover on behalf of the child may reduce the child support payment amount if that parent must pay each month or has a large copayment for the medical coverage for certain health conditions. However, even though the parent has health insurance, his or her carrier may not always cover the medical expense, thus leading to additional out-of-pocket costs. 

No Access to Health Insurance

If the non-custodial parent does not have access to insurance through his or her employer or does not obey the court order to enroll the child in the coverage, the parent receiving support may enroll the child in his or her insurance. Additionally, the non-custodial parent must reimburse the custodial parent at least 50 percent of the cost. This cost will be included within the child support payments. 

Contact a DuPage County Child Support Attorney 

During a divorce, there are many issues that need to be addressed, including child support if you and your spouse have children. If you have questions or concerns regarding medical expenses and your child support order, contact a knowledgeable Lombard, IL divorce attorney from A. Traub and Associates. Our skilled legal team will walk you through the support process, and make sure you fully understand the issues at hand. Call our office today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a confidential appointment.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K505