Harmening Law, LLC

03/19/2026

How Child Support Is Calculated in Illinois?

Many parents assume child support is decided based on opinion or negotiation alone. In Illinois, however, child support is calculated using a structured legal model known as the Income Shares Model.
The goal of this model is simple: to estimate the amount parents would have spent on their child if they were living together and then divide that financial responsibility proportionally between both parents.
How the Calculation Generally Works
1. Combined Net Income
The court first determines each parent’s net income and combines both amounts.
2. Each Parent’s Percentage Share
Each parent’s financial responsibility is based on their percentage of the total combined income.
3. Basic Child Support Obligation
Illinois statutory guidelines provide tables that estimate the cost of raising a child at different income levels.
4. Parenting Time Adjustment
If both parents exercise significant parenting time (generally 146 overnights or more per year), the calculation may be adjusted to reflect shared parenting responsibilities.
5. Additional Expenses
Courts may also allocate:
Health insurance premiums
Childcare expenses
Extracurricular costs
Educational or medical expenses

While the formula provides guidance, every case involves unique financial and parenting circumstances.
Understanding how child support is calculated can help parents approach the process with clearer expectations and less uncertainty.

We welcome general questions or experiences related to child support matters—every family situation brings different considerations.

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

02/13/2026

Love for Your Children Means Protecting Them—Even Legally

We often think of love for our children as showing up to school events, being present at bedtime, or supporting them emotionally through difficult moments. But in high-conflict family situations, love can also mean taking steps to protect your children through the legal system—even when those steps are uncomfortable or emotionally hard.

In family law cases, courts focus on the best interests of the child. That standard exists for a reason: children deserve stability, safety, and consistency, especially when their family structure is changing. Seeking appropriate court orders, setting clear parenting plans, or addressing safety concerns is not about “punishing” the other parent—it is about creating a framework that protects your child’s well-being.

Protecting children legally can look different in every case. Sometimes it means formalizing parenting time. Sometimes it means asking the court to address safety concerns, communication boundaries, or decision-making responsibilities. What matters most is keeping the focus where it belongs: on the child’s needs, not the parents’ conflict.

If a family is navigating a difficult transition, it can help to remember that choosing legal protection can be an act of care. Love is not only emotional—it is also proactive, thoughtful, and grounded in creating long-term stability for children.

This post is for general information only and not legal advice.

02/04/2026

Spousal Maintenance in Illinois: How the Guideline Works (and Why Your Case May Be Different)

In Illinois, spousal maintenance refers to payments one spouse may be ordered to pay the other after a dissolution of marriage. The law provides guideline formulas to help courts determine potential amounts and duration of maintenance—but these guidelines are only a starting point.
Below, we outline how the maintenance guideline is generally calculated under Illinois law. While formulas can provide a rough estimate, courts ultimately have discretion to award maintenance in amounts and for periods of time they deem just, based on the specific facts of each case and the statutory factors.

Every family’s financial circumstances are different. Income structure, length of the marriage, earning capacity, and parenting responsibilities can all significantly affect the outcome. What the guideline suggests on paper may look very different once the court applies the law to real life.

We’re always interested in hearing how these issues come up in practice. If you’re navigating a spousal maintenance question, feel free to share general questions or scenarios below.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

01/23/2026

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After a lovely 8-week maternity leave, I am happily back to work and working on expanding my reach. If you are able, I would love to add reviews to my Google and Facebook profiles to help others find the firm.

10/14/2025

07/15/2025

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06/06/2025

So grateful for the reviews my clients submit! "All her reviews are 1000% accurate. I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with her after our pre-nup process. Don't hesitate to book her. She's very understanding and supportive and is very patient even when I had so so so many questions. She helped me get this whole thing done start to finish with our one hour representation. Also, I love supporting a woman-owned business. Bonus points: She was super confident with everything she told me, and I think that's really nice when discuss"

05/14/2025

So excited to announce that our Principal Attorney, Elise, can now serve clients in Indiana. Congratulations, Elise!

02/06/2025

Congratulations to Elise on her designation of Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers for 2025!

11/15/2024

So happy to continue sharing our expertise with clients to help them make informed decisions! If you need help with a prenuptial agreement check us out on HelloPrenup.com HelloPrenup

10/10/2024

We prioritize mental health awareness and care at Harmening Law, LLC. If you are seeking an attorney with a compassionate and empathetic ear, call or text us today - 708-805-7827

10/04/2024

So lucky to have clients share their positive experiences! "Elise was amazing! Was super real and helped talk through this very big life decision on a understandable level. 10/10 would recommend her to anyone with any questions in this process". Looking for help with your Premarital Agreement? Catch me on