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How Much Child Support Do I Owe if My Income Varies Month-to-Month?

2026-07-20 00:00:00

Variable income does not exempt you from child support. It does, however, change how the calculation works. Rather than deciding on a fixed amount based on your monthly pay, Illinois courts look at the larger picture of your earnings over time.

If your income fluctuates because you're self-employed, work on commission, or earn seasonal income, it’s important to understand how the court will determine your support orders in 2026. A Kendall County, IL child support lawyer can walk you through the process.

How Does Illinois Calculate Child Support When Your Income Isn't Consistent?

Illinois uses an income shares model to calculate child support (750 ILCS 5/505). This model bases child support on the combined net income of both parents. The statute requires courts to consider "all income from all sources."

Can a Trust Protect Assets for Minor Children?

2026-06-25 00:00:00

A trust can protect assets for minor children, and it is one of the most effective tools available for doing so. Without a trust in place, a child who inherits money or property outright has no legal ability to manage those assets until they turn 18. At that point, they receive everything at once with no restrictions. A trust changes that entirely. If you want to make sure your children are truly protected, the Will County, IL estate planning lawyers at SpyratosDavis LLC can help you put the right plan in place.

Why Can't Minor Children Simply Inherit Assets Directly?

Under Illinois law, minors generally cannot legally manage significant inherited property on their own. If a child inherits assets without a trust or other legal structure in place, a court will typically appoint a guardian of the estate to manage those assets until the child turns 18. That process involves court oversight, ongoing reporting requirements, and legal fees that can eat into what you intended your child to receive.

What Happens to a Joint Bank Account During Divorce?

2026-06-08 00:00:00

When you file for divorce, joint bank accounts do not automatically get split in half or frozen. What happens to them depends on when the account was opened, how the money was earned, and what you and your spouse agree to, or what a court orders if you cannot agree. In Illinois, the law has specific rules about how shared money is handled, and knowing those rules early can help protect you. If you are going through a divorce in 2026 and have questions about property division, the Kane County divorce lawyers at SpyratosDavis LLC can help you figure out where you stand.

Are Joint Bank Accounts Considered Marital Property in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/503, property acquired during the marriage is generally marital property. That typically includes money in a joint bank account. If the funds were earned during the marriage, they are often considered marital property regardless of whose name is on the account.

How Change Orders Become Major Construction Litigation Issues

2026-05-22 00:00:00

Change orders are a normal part of almost every construction project. Scope changes, unexpected site conditions, and design revisions happen all the time. The problem is not that changes occur. The problem is what happens when those changes are not handled properly.

A change order that seems minor in the moment can turn into a major legal dispute over unpaid work, broken timelines, and significant financial losses for your business. If you are a construction company owner dealing with a change order dispute in 2026, our McHenry County commercial litigation lawyers can help you understand your options and protect what you have worked hard to build.

In Illinois construction disputes, a change order generally refers to a modification to the original contract that adjusts the scope of work, the cost, or the timeline. When these modifications are handled correctly, they keep your projects moving and your cash flow protected. When they are undocumented, disputed, or ignored, they become the foundation of some of the most expensive and time-consuming construction litigation cases in Illinois courts.

Can a Child Refuse Court-Ordered Visitation in Illinois?

2026-05-09 00:00:00

If your child is refusing to go to court-ordered visitation, you are probably caught between wanting to support your child and knowing you are legally required to follow a court order. It is a hard position to be in, and it is more common than many parents realize. The important thing to know is that a child cannot legally refuse court-ordered visitation in Illinois. A court order is binding on the parents, and it is the parents' job to take real steps to make the visit happen.

Letting the child stay home is not typically something that Illinois family courts will accept. This is true even when your child is angry at their other parent or otherwise resistant. If you are dealing with this situation in 2026, our DeKalb, IL child custody lawyers can help you figure out the right approach, protect your rights, and find a path forward that works for your family.

Can I Still Recover Compensation for a Bicycle Accident if I Didn’t Wear a Helmet?

2026-04-20 00:00:00

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation after a bicycle accident in Illinois. The driver who hit you is still responsible for causing the crash. Illinois law gives you the right to seek compensation for your injuries regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident in 2026, our DeKalb, IL personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for what you deserve.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Fault in Bicycle Accident Cases?

Illinois does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets under state law. Because there is no legal requirement for adults to wear one, not wearing a helmet cannot be treated as a violation of the law. That is an important fact that works in your favor. However, helmet use may still come up during the claims process, and knowing how that argument works and how to respond to it matters.

How Far Can a Parent Move Without Court Approval in Illinois?

2026-04-13 00:00:00

In Illinois, how far a parent can move without court approval depends on where the child currently lives. Some counties set the distance further than others. Moving beyond those limits requires either getting the other parent's written agreement or asking a court for permission first.

Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, these rules apply to any parent who has been given the majority of parenting time or an equal share of parenting time. Knowing exactly where the line is can be the difference between a smooth move and a serious legal problem. If you have questions about a relocation situation in 2026, the Cook County, IL family lawyers at SpyratosDavis LLC are here to help.

How Do Trusts Help Avoid Probate in Illinois?

2026-03-27 00:00:00

In Illinois, probate is required when an estate is worth more than $100,000 or includes real estate titled solely in the deceased person's name under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975. A properly structured trust can help your family skip that process entirely. If you want to protect your loved ones from the time, cost, and stress of probate, the Kendall County, IL estate planning lawyers at SpyratosDavis LLC can help you put a plan in place in 2026.

What Is Probate, and Why Do People Want to Avoid It?

Probate is a legal process that takes place in court after someone dies. The court reviews the person's will, confirms it is valid, appoints someone to manage the estate, pays off debts, and then distributes what remains to the beneficiaries.

When Can Child Support Be Modified in Illinois?

2026-03-16 00:00:00

Life changes, and sometimes a child support order that made sense when it was entered no longer reflects your current situation. Under 750 ILCS 5/510, an existing child support order can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. The same is true if the current order is inconsistent with what the legal guidelines would require by a specific amount. If you think your order needs to change, our Will County, IL child support lawyers can review your situation and help you understand your options.

What Qualifies as a Substantial Change in Circumstances for Child Support?

A substantial change in circumstances means something significant has shifted for one of the parents or the child. The change has to be real and meaningful. Minor fluctuations in income or small shifts in expenses generally won't be enough.

Can You Sue a Neighbor for Encroachment in Illinois?

2026-02-28 00:00:00

Neighbors frequently get frustrated with each other over issues like roaming pets and untrimmed trees that leave a mess in each other’s yards. But sometimes, neighbors move beyond annoying behaviors and into direct and illegal use of someone else’s property. When this happens on your property, it can be frustrating and difficult to get your neighbor to change their ways. This behavior – called "encroachment" – can limit how you use your land and may create problems if you try to sell your home.

In 2026, Illinois law allows property owners to take legal action to stop encroachment and other property disputes to protect their rights. Our Winnebago County, IL property dispute lawyers help homeowners understand their options and resolve boundary conflicts.

What Is Considered Encroachment in Illinois?

Encroachment happens when a neighbor builds or places something that crosses onto your property. This often happens because of survey errors, unclear boundary lines, or misunderstandings between neighbors.