Can Moms Be Ordered to Pay Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on April 03, 2026 in Child Support

A little more than five decades ago, a woman could not even obtain a credit card without her husband's signature. Significant strides have been made by women since then, and today, more women are earning university degrees and even graduate degrees than men. This means that more women today are the primary breadwinners for their families.

Changes in women’s financial situations over time have affected child custody and child support decisions. In the past, mothers were more likely to get most of the parenting time, and fathers were more likely to pay child support. That is not always true now. Fathers may be awarded significant parenting time and decision-making responsibility. Mothers can also be ordered to pay child support just like fathers, and they are held to the same expectations.

If you have concerns about which parent will be ordered to pay child support, talk to our Wheaton, IL family law attorneys. They can answer your questions and guide you through the process. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we have over a century of legal experience, giving us deep insights into court orders of child support.

How Is Illinois Child Support Calculated in 2026?

Under the current Illinois child support law, the incomes of both parents are now considered in the calculation of child support. The process is as follows:

• Each parent's net income is determined by running their gross income (salary, overtime, and bonuses) through a gross-to-net conversion chart.

• The net incomes of both parents are added together to reach the combined net income.

• Each parent’s net income will be assigned a percentage based on the whole amount.

• The combined net income of both parents is put into the income shares calculator to determine the basic child support obligation.

• The resulting number from the income shares calculator is then multiplied by each parent's percentage of the combined net income, resulting in each parent's child support obligation.

Even when parenting time is divided equally, child support may still be owed. For example, if one parent earns much more than the other, the higher-earning parent may have to pay support.

What Is the Purpose of Child Support in Illinois?

The court expects the parents to provide the same level of support to the children as the children would have received had the parents stayed together. While it is obviously more expensive to maintain two households than one, this often means that the parents are required to spend more money on their children than they did when they were married. When considering the cost of raising children for the purpose of child support determination, any extra expenses for a child, such as healthcare, can be taken into account.

One parent may be responsible for keeping the children on his or her employer-sponsored insurance, and the other could be responsible for co-pays and deductibles. Daycare is a major expense for parents, and that must also be a consideration. The parents may split the cost of daycare, or it could be apportioned by the court based on each parent's income. If the couple has a special needs child, expenses related to those needs will be considered and split fairly.

When Do Mothers Pay Child Support in Illinois?

Illinois law does not assume that fathers always pay support. Mothers typically pay child support when they have less parenting time or when the child lives primarily with the other parent. There is no hidden agenda on the part of the court. Supporting one's children is a legal and moral obligation both parents are bound by. 

Child support is generally paid until the child or children turn 18 or graduate from high school. In the case of a child turning 18 before the end of high school, support continues until the child turns 19 or graduates, whichever comes first. Other exceptions include a child with special needs who requires the support of both parents after the age of 18.

What Happens When a Mom Doesn’t Pay Court-Ordered Child Support in Illinois?

If a mother does not pay child support, the responsibility doesn’t simply disappear. The unpaid amount keeps building, and she may owe back support with added costs. 

The other parent can ask the court to enforce the order. A judge may require payment through wage withholding, enter a judgment for the unpaid support, or find the parent in contempt of court (750 ILCS 5/505).

In some cases, the court can impose other penalties until payments are made. A mother who cannot afford the current amount should petition for a modification right away. Trying to handle things outside of court can often lead to unwelcome surprises later.

When Can You Get a Modification to Child Support in Illinois?

As children get older, new expenses often come up. These may include sports, summer camp, music lessons, or medical care. If the parents cannot agree on who should pay for these costs, either parent can ask the court to change child support. However, the court will only approve a change if there has been a substantial change in the family’s situation.

If one parent loses his or her job, becomes ill, or is involved in an accident, this would usually be considered a substantial change. Changes for the children may also warrant a modification of child support. If a child develops a serious illness requiring significant medical intervention, the court may need to help the parents determine how these costs will be split. The court's goal from beginning to end will be to consider the child's best interests. The parents' wants and needs are secondary to this goal.

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Child Support Lawyers

The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience and resources, and we are well-equipped to handle child support disputes. Our Wheaton, IL, child support lawyers can help smooth over the process and make it easier for all those involved. Call 630-462-9500 today to schedule your initial meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.