Bloomington Divorce Blog

Most in Bloomington may recognize the need for divorced parents to pay child support in order to ensure that their kids are well-cared for. Yet the amount that is actually needed may often become a hot topic for debate. Many may think that all that should be required in child support is what is needed to meet a kid's basic needs (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, health care). they often may base that number of what their individual frames of references are. For this reason, news of the large amounts that divorcing celebrities are ordered to pay on child support often seem astonishing. 

Take the recent case of popular male model Jeremy Meeks. As part of his recent divorce settlement, he agreed to pay his ex-wife $1,000 per month in child support. While at first that may not seem to be such an exorbitant an amount, perceptions may change when one learns that the couple shares only one child together. Child support is typically not the sole obligation of one parent, either. Most state calculation formulas require each parent to contribute a portion of the ordered obligation equal to the percentage they contribute to the family's income. Thus, Meeks' ex-wife may likely also be paying her portion. 

Given the deep love that most parents in Bloomington likely have for their children, the willingness to pay child support may never be an issue. The ability to, however, may be a different story. Oftentimes, one circumstances can change from those the enjoyed when their child support obligations were first determined. Yet unforeseen obstacles such as the loss of a job, a reduction in working hours or other financial considerations may ultimately make meeting one's child support obligation virtually impossible. When such a scenario arises, however, some might fear petitioning the court to have their payments reduced for fear of being viewed as not wanting to support their kids. 

One obligated to pay child support should not, however, accrue a series of arrears by letting payments lapse thinking that they will repay them later. Such action can leave one facing consequences similar to those that an Ohio man is being forced to deal with. Local authorities were trying to serve him with a warrant for unpaid child support, yet a panicked and took off, leading police on a pursuit that ultimately ended in his arrest. He now faces several other charges on top of those stemming from his unpaid child support. 

There are many different fathers' rights topics that may need to be taken into consideration by someone who is going through the end of their marriage. Not only do concerns related to the financial side of divorce often arise, such as alimony payments and calculating child support, but there are many other facets of family law that can be particularly difficult for some fathers. For example, a bitter custody dispute over kids may surface and during this battle, a father's former partner may falsely accuse them of family violence, which could shatter their life in more than one way.

Family violence allegations can trigger a ripple effect of hardships in a father's life, and these difficulties may be even more pronounced for someone who is trying to adjust to daily life in the wake of a recent divorce. They may be criticized by friends and family members for allegations that are completely untrue and they could even face problems related to their career. Restraining orders and being unable to spend time with kids are some other concerns for many fathers. Unfortunately, some people falsely accuse their child's other parent of family violence because they want to win a custody battle. Or, in some instances, a father may be falsely accused of family violence by a bitter ex who wants revenge.

The moment that you learn you are going to be a father can be quite shocking, particularly if you are not married to the child's mother. Many men from Bloomington come to us here at the Stange Law Firm in this scenario with the same sentiments. Some may be excited at the prospect, others may question the validity of such claims, and others might feel conflicted. Whichever of those groups you happen to fall into, it is important that you understand the local laws regarding men in your position.

Interestingly, a DNA test alone is often not considered to be sufficient evidence to establish paternity. Instead, the state has established guidelines that presume paternity. Per Section 46/204 of the Illinois Parentage Act, you are presumed to be the father of a child in any of the following scenarios: 

• The child was born while you and their mother were married, or were in a civil union (or similar legal relationship)
• The child was born within 300 days of the end of your marriage, civil union (or similar relationship) with their mother
• You entered into a legal relationship with the child's mother (that was later declared invalid) within 300 days prior to their birth
• Your marry or enter into a civil union (or similar legal relationship) after the child is born and you consent to have your name listed as a parent on their birth certificate