From Law Office of Russell D. Knight – An Increase In Income After An Illinois Divorce examines what happens when a former spouse's income rises after an Illinois divorce and how that change can affect child support, maintenance, and future court proceedings. The discussion explains the legal standards for modifying support, the role of a Marital Settlement Agreement, and why increased earnings alone do not automatically result in higher payments.
Listeners will learn how Illinois courts evaluate requests to modify maintenance and child support, including the importance of demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. The episode explores financial affidavits, tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and the legal framework established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, Cook County Rule 13.3.1(b), and statutes such as 750 ILCS 5/503, 750 ILCS 5/504, 750 ILCS 5/505, and 750 ILCS 5/510.
The conversation also reviews key Illinois appellate decisions, including In re Marriage of Anderson, In re Marriage of Osseck, In re Marriage of Brunke, In re Marriage of Plotz, In re Marriage of Connelly, and Marriage of Rodgers, highlighting how courts analyze income increases, maintenance, alimony, child support, parenting time, and parental responsibilities when determining whether a modification is appropriate.
Whether you are paying or receiving support, this episode offers practical insight into verifying changes in income, understanding the 20 percent child support threshold, using resources such as the Illinois Health and Family Services estimator and Family Law Software, and preparing for post-divorce modification proceedings in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Law Office of Russell D. Knight
1165 N Clark St #700, Chicago, IL 60610
(773) 334-6311
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