Suppose one or both parents has a child from a previous relationship. In that case, a ‘multi-family adjustment’ will be made to their income before the basic child support obligation is calculated. The amount of child support paid for children from other relationships will be deducted from the income. The amount can vary based on whether there is a current child support order. If there is a child support order in place, the adjustment is what is paid under the order.
If there is no child support order in place, the adjustment is how much child support the person pays. Or, it will be 75% of what they would pay if the child support obligation was determined under current Illinois guidelines. Sometimes the family court judge will not make a multi-family adjustment if they think this would create a financial hardship for the child. Consider a case where parents with one child are divorcing. The father has two children from a previous marriage. One of the children lives in his house, while the other lives with the mother. The child support paid by the father covers the child, that does not usually live in his home.
In all cases, the court's primary concern will be to ensure that the child's needs are met and that the child is provided with the financial support necessary for their well-being. The court may also consider any additional expenses, such as medical expenses or educational expenses, when determining the amount of child support to be paid.
It is important to note that child support laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and it may be necessary to consult with a family law attorney to fully understand the process of determining child support in cases involving multiple mothers.
Visit https://lawyer-il.com/how-do-multiple-mothers-affect-child-support/ for more information.