Chicago, Illinois – Chicago divorce lawyer Russell D. Knight of the Law Office of Russell D. Knight (https://rdklegal.com/child-support-and-50-50-custody-in-illinois) is clarifying how child support works in Illinois when parents share parenting time on an equal or near equal basis. As more Chicago families move toward 50/50 parenting schedules, questions have grown regarding how Illinois child support guidelines apply when neither parent is the clear majority time parent.
Illinois courts have authority under 750 ILCS 5/505 to order one or both parents to pay an amount that is reasonable and necessary for a child’s support. Chicago divorce lawyer Russell D. Knight explains that while online child support calculators are widely used, the underlying law relies on detailed statutory steps. Courts first determine each parent’s net monthly income, add those figures together, consult the statewide schedule of basic child support obligations, and then allocate each parent’s percentage share of that obligation. When only one parent has the child most of the time, the other parent’s percentage share becomes the traditional monthly support payment. The receiving parent’s share is presumed to be spent directly on the child.
The analysis changes once both parents meet the shared parenting threshold of at least 146 overnights per year. In these shared care situations, which include many 50/50 custody arrangements across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, the basic child support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 and then adjusted based on each parent’s income and the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent. Chicago divorce lawyer Russell D. Knight illustrates these rules with practical income and overnight examples, showing that even at 50/50 custody, the higher-earning parent will usually still owe support, often in a reduced amount after offsetting each parent’s calculated obligation.
Russell D. Knight further highlights that Illinois courts may deviate from guidelines when the strict formula would be inequitable or inappropriate, particularly in situations involving large income disparities, special needs, or extraordinary medical expenses. Recent appellate decisions underscore that both parents carry financial responsibility for a minor child, and that in unusual circumstances, even a parent with the majority of parenting time can be ordered to pay support to the other parent if the child’s best interests so require. Updated analysis as of November 2025 reflects that judges must make written findings when departing from the guideline amount, documenting the presumed guideline figure and the reasons for any deviation.
About Law Office of Russell D. Knight:
The Law Office of Russell D. Knight is a Chicago family law firm focused on divorce, child support, parenting time, paternity, and related domestic relations matters throughout Cook County and surrounding Illinois communities. Led by Chicago divorce lawyer Russell D. Knight, the firm combines litigation skill with clear explanations of Illinois statutes, local rules, and courtroom procedure. The practice handles contested and uncontested divorces, post-decree modifications, and financial matters involving support and property division. Individuals seeking guidance regarding child support and 50/50 custody in Illinois may contact the Law Office of Russell D. Knight to request a consultation or visit the firm’s website for more information.
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Website: https://rdklegal.com/