Child Support Issues in Illinois?

Question

I am looking for whatever information anyone knows about child support laws in Illinois and in general. I am 4 months pregnant and the father has already said he does not want to be in the childs life so I am doing research now to see what it is I can do. I know I am going to file for child support and he does too, but he's treatened to do just about everything in the book...relinquishing his parental rights, putting funds in other people's names, moving out of state, the list is endless.

The only two issues I'm really concerned with at this point is him putting funds into other people's accounts and him moving out of state. His family has a business in which he has said he'd put things under and he has said he might move to California for some type of job. The parental rights I'm not too concerned with because I think I read that even if he gives up his rights, he still has to pay child support if he is ordered to, unless I'm mistaken. What can I do if any of this happens?

Answer 1

I am so sorry. The guy puts other men to shame. Be lucky that you are not married to the man. First, don't bother having anymore personal contact with the man. You don't want him to know what you are doing. He has made it clear, although he might possibly change his stupid a** mind later on, that he wants nothing to do with the child.

Don't listen to his threats anymore. Don't have anymore contact with him...even if he tries to initiate it. Seriously. Get yourself into your county court office and find out what the proceedure is for filing for child support. You will have to go through the state in order to get payment of any kind from him. So what if he is planning to move? So what if he puts money into other's accounts? It will always be a pain in the a** for him to do it...and he will be placed on a list for "dead beat" dads...and he will be held accountable for any child support from day 1. Don't delay any longer on this and get it in the works and completed before the baby is here.

Remember, there are lots of emotional support for single women parents out there. Talk to a court advocate. Don't despair. Just try to keep your mind clear, try not to stress about this, take it one day at a time, take your prenates, have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby!

Oh, and btw...him crossing over state line to avoid child support is both a state and federal offense in some states...Illonois might have a law that follows him. Google search: Illonois child support laws, federal child support laws---dead beat dad laws..again, dont threaten him..don't talk to him or write him. No contact.

If he shows up for court...don't sit with him, don't look at him..just have all your paper work in order and try to have a lawyer/county or state advocate...and your supporting friends and relatives.

Attempt to file for sole custody NOW.

Answer 2

I am raising a son who has a disturbed father and is similar to what you are describing.

I decided not to file for support because my son's father was so destructive that I knew I would spend a lot of money, time and energy and not get anything anyway. Peace of mind is worth a lot more than money.

My son's dad thought he had figured out a way he could get custody of my son and not have to pay back child support, so he filed a court case against me in my old county when I moved into a county that awards back child support. Be aware that some fathers when faced with child support payments will seek custody of the child and try to appear to be the better parent. My son's dad edited the local newspaper and our judges are elected, so you can see where this is going.

But, in your case, the guy could get married, have a good income and persuade a judge who has different values than you that he would be the better parent. When you go to court, each of you get an attorney and your ex-boyfriend's attorney may convince him to file for custody. He can always pawn the child off on babysitters and relatives. In fact, he may have a sister who would like to care for a child. Once you enter the court system, who gets custody is not your decision, it is the court's decision and your ex may change his mind at any time especially if he gets a wife who will do the work. Additionally, at some point such as age 14, the child may get to decide where to live, so be prepared to give up your child at a young age. If dad appears to be more fun and dad believes it is cheaper to have the child live with him, you can end up putting a lot of effort into raising a child who ends up being someone you don't like very much.

My son's father filed near the time he got married because his wife was bringing three children of her own into the marriage and didn't want to get pregnant. They moved to California afterwards and had I lost custody, I would barely see my child. The three older step-children brought drugs into the home, so my son would have been living in a drug environment. I value education and they don't. Their eldest now has a very low level job.

I did pay attorney's fees of $50,000 and I did get $35,000 in back child support which cost me about $15,000 in additionaly collection expenses since my son's dad pulled every trick in the book.

Also be aware that his attorney will convince him to seek joint decision-making which means that you may end up in court several times per year over such things at day care, preschool, doctor's visits etc. He will say no to anything that costs money or more than the minimum amount of money. If you do not provide him with visitation or allow him to make decisions, you put yourself at risk of losing custody. That is the law in my state.

The toll of these lawsuits on my son and me has been enormous.

I think you would be lucky to not collect child support and to have this guy sign away his parental rights. Then you are free to get married and have your new husband adopt your child. You may have to struggle the first few years, but it may pay off in the long run, especially when it comes to the emotional well-being of your child.

Answer 3

He can of course move anywhere he wants to. And he can try and hide his money. It will be your job to find the money.

He can not give up his rights, you would have to agree with that, if that was possible no one would be paying child support.

So you will get a court order for him to pay, and then you will have to hunt him down and fight him continuously in court to make him pay.

Answer 4

I raised two kids as a sinlge parent without any support...I think you need to forget about ir and get on with your life!

Women do tend forget that if we don't want a child we (unfortunately in my opinion) have the right to get rid of it one way or another...men do not have that luxury.

Just drop it and get on with your life.

Next time...be careful who you sleep with