
When Does Child Support End in Illinois?
Parents with a child support order often ask, “When does child support end in Illinois?” Some parents may eagerly look forward to the day when their financial obligations will finally end. Support recipients also want to know how long they can expect to receive court-ordered payments for their child.
If you face a child support determination, need a modification, or need to enforce an order, never hesitate to contact an Illinois child support attorney. They can explain the specific laws in Illinois and oversee the process to properly represent your child support obligations or rights.
The right child support lawyer can ensure that parents do not pay longer than they should or stop paying sooner than they should.
How Is Child Support Determined in Illinois?
The law requires both parents to provide financial support for a child. Child support is typically determined based on both parents’ income and the child’s needs.
In Illinois, the Income Shares Model calculates child support. These guidelines consider both parents’ income, the number of children involved, and other factors such as parenting time and healthcare expenses. This model meets the child’s financial needs in a fair and equitable manner.
Parents usually need to seek a child support order during a divorce, separation (whether married or not), paternity determination, and similar family law cases. Anytime a child is involved in a family case, the court should address the issues of parenting time, parental responsibilities, and child support.
Factors that May Affect the Duration of Child Support
When a child support order is in place, it is not indefinite.
The duration of child support in Illinois can vary depending on:
- Age of the Child: Child support typically ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old in Illinois. However, if the child is still in high school and is expected to graduate after 18, child support may continue until the child reaches the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first.
- Special Needs of the Child: If the child has special needs that require ongoing financial support, child support may continue beyond the age of majority. The court will consider the child’s specific needs and determine the appropriate duration of support.
- College Expenses: In some cases, child support may extend beyond the age of majority to cover college expenses. If the child pursues higher education, the court may order one or both parents to contribute to the child’s college expenses. The duration and amount of this support will depend on the circumstances of each case.
- Agreement between the Parents: In some situations, parents may agree on the duration of child support. They can make a written agreement that specifies when child support will end, considering the child’s age, education plans, and other relevant factors. The court must approve this agreement to ensure its enforceability.
Seeking Modification or Termination of Child Support

Child support orders can last a long time, and during this time, circumstances can change. If you believe there are valid reasons to seek a modification or termination of child support in Illinois, consult an Illinois child support attorney.
You should never simply stop paying child support if you cannot afford it, as this can cause serious legal issues. Instead, consider the possibility of modifying the child support order to accommodate your changed circumstances.
Here are some common reasons why a court might modify or terminate child support.
Change in Income
After a substantial change in either parent’s income, you may qualify for a child support modification. Job loss, change in employment, or other financial circumstances can affect the ability to pay or the need for support. Your child support lawyer can advise whether your income change warrants modification.
Change in Parenting Time
If the parenting time arrangement has significantly changed, it may affect the child support calculation. For example, if one parent now has primary custody or the child divides their time more equally between both parents, it may warrant child support modification.
Change in the Child’s Needs
If the child’s needs have significantly changed, such as requiring additional medical care, therapy, or educational expenses, it may need to seek a modification of child support to ensure the parents meet these needs.
Completion of Higher Education
Child support may be terminated if the child has completed their higher education or vocational training. Keeping records and documentation of the child’s educational journey is important to support your case for ending a support order.
Remember, seeking a modification or termination of child support requires going through the legal process. You cannot take the matter into your own hands and stop paying or adjust payments without permission from the family court. Work with an experienced child support lawyer who can assess your options and advocate for your best interests.
Consult an Illinois Child Support Attorney
If you have any questions or need assistance with child support matters in Illinois, consult a knowledgeable child support attorney. They can provide the you need to obtain a fair child support order, whether you pay or receive support.
A child support lawyer can assist with initial orders, modifications, termination, and child support enforcement. If another parent is not paying or you need to change the amount of child support for whatever reason, you need the right legal representation.
Meet with a lawyer who knows Illinois child support laws inside and out, as they can best protect your parental and financial rights regarding child support.
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