Do Wealthy Parents Pay More Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on June 30, 2025 in Child Support

Child support in Illinois is calculated using an "income shares" model that means that both parents’ incomes are considered when determining their financial responsibility for a child. While this formula applies to all families, the numbers can shift dramatically when high-earning parents are involved. In cases involving wealthy parents, Courts can adjust basic child support guidelines to reflect the lifestyle the child is used to.

If you or your co-parent earns a high income, you need to understand how Illinois law applies in your situation and what role the Court’s discretion plays in the final support amount. An experienced Barrington, IL child support attorney can help you navigate these issues while protecting your financial and parental rights.

How Does Illinois Calculate Child Support for High-Income Parents?

Illinois uses the "income shares" formula under 750 ILCS 5/505(a). This model estimates the total cost of raising a child in a household based on both parents’ combined net income. That obligation is then divided proportionally between the parents according to their respective shares of the income.

However, when the combined net income exceeds the upper limit of the guidelines table, the law allows Courts to use discretion when calculating child support above that amount.

A Judge may consider:

• The child’s reasonable needs, including education, medical care, and lifestyle

• The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the parents lived together

• Extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition, travel, or extracurricular activities

• Any other relevant factor that may justify a deviation from the guideline amount

When one or both parents have substantial wealth or own closely held businesses, the Court may also require detailed disclosures and financial documentation to determine net income accurately.

Can the Court Order Child Support Beyond Basic Needs?

In high-net-worth cases, the goal is not only to cover basic necessities but also to ensure the child continues to enjoy the benefits of wealth. This could mean support payments that account for private schools, tutors, specialized medical care, vacations, trust funds, and more.

Although support cannot be used to enrich the receiving parent, Courts in Illinois have recognized that a child’s best interests may include preserving a standard of living similar to the child’s life before the divorce.

Can Parents Agree to Cap or Limit Child Support?

Parents may reach an agreement regarding child support, but the Court still has the final say. Even if both parties agree to a lower (or higher) amount, a Judge must make sure that the arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

Will the Court Modify Child Support if Necessary?

Child support payments can be changed if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income or a change in parenting time or the child’s needs. However, support orders remain in effect until they are formally changed. Do not stop or adjust child support payments on your own without court approval; doing so can have serious consequences.

Contact an Inverness, IL Child Support Attorney

If you are involved in a child support case and have significant assets or complex financial issues to address, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., our Barrington, IL child support lawyer understands how to manage high-stakes support matters with discretion and precision. Call 847.873.6741 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your child and your financial stability.