When it feels like the system is stacked against you, you need a child support lawyer who understands what is at stake for fathers and their children.
- The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd. has protected fathers and their relationships with their children for over 40 years.
- Our attorneys handle initial support orders, modifications, enforcement disputes, and interstate child support matters.
- We work to make sure Illinois courts receive accurate and persuasive information before support and parenting time are determined.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
What a Chicago Child Support Lawyer Does for Fathers
A child support attorney protects you from an order based on inaccurate income information, incomplete parenting-time records, or other evidence that does not reflect your circumstances.
The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd. assists fathers with:
- Initial child support orders based on accurate financial information.
- Support modifications when circumstances have substantially changed.
- Enforcement defense when support arrearages lead to court or collection action.
- Retroactive support disputes involving claimed past-due obligations.
- Interstate cases when parents live in different states.
How Illinois Calculates Child Support — What Fathers Need to Know
Illinois calculates guideline child support using both parents’ net incomes. When each parent has a minimum number of overnights per year, Illinois uses its shared physical care calculation.
That does not mean a certain number of overnights automatically produces a specific payment. Income, parenting time, and other applicable factors all affect the calculation. Our team will make sure the information submitted to the court accurately reflects your circumstances.
When to Call a Child Support Lawyer
Getting legal guidance early can help you understand your options before financial or enforcement problems become more difficult to address. Speak with a child support lawyer here if:
- The other parent has already hired a lawyer.
- Your income has significantly changed.
- You face contempt or other child support enforcement action.
- You believe incorrect income was used in your order.
- Your parenting schedule has changed substantially.
- Your case involves parents living in different states.
- The State’s Attorney or Attorney General of Illinois contacts you.
What You Get When You Work With The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.
Hiring the right lawyer for child support should ensure your case is built on accurate information and that your rights are protected at every stage.
Accurate financial information.
Your attorney can review pay records, tax returns, existing orders, other financial documents, as well as documents from the other parent to accurately calculate child support.
Parenting time properly documented.
Accurate overnight records are especially important in Illinois, where the shared physical care rules can apply.
Help when your circumstances change.
Illinois law permits modification of child support when circumstances have substantially changed, making prompt legal guidance critical.
Defense against enforcement actions.
If you have fallen behind, your attorney can review the court order, respond to enforcement proceedings, and determine the most effective legal strategy to protect you.
How Our Child Support Process Works
Step 1 — Confidential Consultation
During your initial consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to review your current order or pending a case with us as well as information concerning your financial situation, parenting schedule, and any enforcement notices or other papers you have received.
We will identify whether the matter involves a new support order, modification of an existing order, enforcement dispute, or another issue and we will explain next steps.
Step 2 — Case Assessment and Document Gathering
Your attorney may review recent pay stubs and tax returns, existing court orders, and parenting-time records. If financial information is disputed, additional records or formal discovery may be necessary.
Step 3 — Filing, Negotiation, and Court Representation
Depending on the case, your attorney may prepare a modification request, respond to an enforcement proceeding, negotiate disputed issues, or represent you at trial.
You will know what information we will present to the court and what arguments we plan to make on your behalf before you walk into court.
Step 4 — Order Entry and Ongoing Support
After an order is entered, continue keeping clear records of your income, payments, and parenting time. If your circumstances change later, that documentation can help your attorney evaluate whether another modification is appropriate.
Fathers We Represent in Child Support Cases
Some fathers need a lawyer for child support or custody at the beginning of a divorce. Others already have an order that no longer reflects their lives. We protect fathers’ rights by helping them with issues that impact child support, including:
Fathers establishing a first support order.
Getting the financial and parenting-time information right at the start can help create an order based on the real facts of your case.
Fathers whose circumstances have changed.
A job change, income loss, or significant change in parenting arrangements may create grounds to ask the court to reconsider an existing order.
Fathers facing enforcement proceedings.
Falling behind can quickly become a serious legal and financial problem. Early legal guidance helps you understand the proceeding and available options to protect you.
Serving Chicago and Surrounding Communities
If you are searching for a lawyer for child support near you, the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd. is based in Chicago and handles family-law matters in Cook County and throughout Illinois. Our local expertise and comprehensive knowledge are a significant advantage when child support overlaps with parenting time, enforcement, or other domestic-relations issues.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.?
Choosing a child support lawyer means trusting someone with an issue that can affect your finances and family for years. Having the right legal team in your corner can make all the difference.
Here’s why fathers choose the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.:
- A nationally recognized fathers’ rights focus. Jeffery M. Leving® was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1979 and has since advocated for fathers’ rights in courts, legislation, books, and national media.
- Family law experience. Our attorneys concentrate on family-law matters involving children, including support, parenting disputes, modifications, and enforcement.
- Illinois-specific knowledge. The firm handles child support matters under Illinois law and understands how financial evidence and parenting arrangements affect your case.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
What Fathers Say About The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.
“I hired the Law Offices of Jeffrey M. Leaving and the whole staff was great. My attorney was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and took time with me to break down the legal terms so that I was aware of what was going on. In my child support case he saved me thousands with his fight and knowledge.”
– Kareem H.
“Micheal Ochoa was able to secure time for my son and I to enjoy a vacation together despite resistance and a prolonged custody dispute. My son and I created many lasting memories and I am grateful for all the hard work and preparation Mr. Ochoa and Julia Keszycki put into advocating for me and representing me.”
– Josh R.
“The Law Offices of Jeffrey Leving are as advertised. They fight for Father’s rights. Unfortunately Father’s don’t get the same treatment throughout the divorce process as mother’s do. However, Mr. Michael Ochoa of the Law Offices of Jeffrey Leving has made sure that since he took my case he has been proactive every step of the way. I truly couldn’t ask for better representation throughout this trying time.”
– Mark H.
FAQS
Can child support be modified if my income changes?
Possibly. Illinois permits modification when circumstances substantially change. Whether a particular income change qualifies depends on the facts.
Does more parenting time affect child support?
It can. Illinois applies its shared physical care calculation when each parent has a minimum number of overnights per year. Income, parenting time, and other applicable factors all affect the child support calculation.
What if I cannot afford my current support payments?
Do not simply stop paying. An existing order remains enforceable unless the court changes it. Speak with a child support attorney right away about modification and any pending enforcement action.
Do I need an attorney if we agree on support?
Often, yes. Legal review should ensure the agreement is properly documented and meets applicable Illinois child support requirements and is properly presented to the court for entry.
Get Your Consultation With a Chicago Child Support Lawyer
A child support order can affect your finances and family dynamics for years. Get guidance from a Chicago child support lawyer who is nationally recognized for advocating for fathers by protecting their roles in their children’s lives.
>Schedule your confidential consultation< with the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd. and call today to get started.
