If you are working through a divorce, you could have a number of different legal matters to address. Financial concerns, stress and time constraints often arise. If you have kids and expect to owe child support, you need to go over additional topics. Aside from understanding how courts calculate child support, it is crucial to get ready for making payments if you expect to owe support.
Failure to pay child support can lead to devastating consequences, such as losing your driver’s license and even your freedom. It is pivotal to make sure that you stay current, and reviewing your payment options can help.
Child support payment methods
Many parents pay child support in Illinois through withholding orders, which involves withholding payments from a parent’s paycheck. If you run your own business, a withholding order has not taken effect yet or you do not have a job, you might need to find another way to fulfill your support obligations. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services states that parents can pay support online, over the phone and via postal mail.
Important points to remember about child support payments
You should understand that depending on the payment method you choose, you could have to pay fees. For example, you could have to pay a registration fee, and a 2.95% fee for payments made with your credit card or PayPal account. You should also note processing times and make sure you pay in advance. For example, if you pay by phone, a payment could take seven days to post.
Regardless of how you choose to pay child support, it is vital to understand your obligations and options, and make sure you do not fall behind.
