What Every Illinois Parent Should Know About Child Support Hearings and Collection Remedies

 Posted on November 22,2019 in Child Support

Whether you are in the process of pursuing past-due child support, need to create a new support order, or are the paying parent facing collections for support, such expenses quickly add up and make a significant dent on your finances. The process of collecting or paying child support can take time, as each case is different and some are more challenging than others. Newly divorced parents who are being introduced to the process can feel especially overwhelmed, and those who have been long divorced can suddenly find themselves in the midst of all new tensions when financial disagreements arise. The mere subject of collection can be a touchy one, which is why it is so important to educate yourself at the onset of child support proceedings, no matter what role you play in your child’s life.

What Does a Child Support Hearing Typically Entail?

Should you be required to attend a hearing for your child support order, the hearing will be conducted by either a judge or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). You will be expected to testify to a variety of questions, which will help the court determine how to proceed with your child support order. The questions you must answer will depend on the type of hearing you are attending and the circumstances surrounding your support case. Unwed parents who have not yet established paternity will be required to answer a different set of questions than newly divorced parents, as the legal circumstances differ

In general, however, there are some common topics every parent can expect to address at a hearing, including:

• The number of children involved in your case
• Your current marital status
• Your employment and income information
• Your tax obligations
• Details of your living expenses
• Your insurance coverage, if applicable

How is the Money Usually Collected?

Regular support order amounts can easily be paid electronically, via phone, by credit card or automatic deduction. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services utilizes a number of collection remedies for pursuing support money. If your case involves delinquent support, a few examples of methods the HFS may use in order to pursue collection include:

• Federal tax refund interception
• Suspension of your driver’s license or professional licenses
• Passport denial or revocation, via the State Department
• Reports to the consumer reporting agencies

Speak with a St. Charles Child Support Attorney

It can be difficult to understand what you owe and why, and equally challenging when you are the one pursuing the support. Addressing all matters of child support, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, is best done with the help of a competent, qualified Kane County child support lawyer. Legal guidance can make all the difference in both the experience and outcome of your case. Call Weiler & Associates, Inc. today at 630-331-9110 for a personal consultation.

Sources:

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/parents/Pages/FAQs.aspx#notice

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/Pages/default.aspx