Can Child Support Be Increased if Your Ex Gets a Raise?

 Posted on October 27, 2026 in Family Law

A substantial raise can justify increasing Illinois child support, but the order does not change automatically. You would need to request a modification. The court considers both parents' incomes, parenting time, and the children's needs. Acting promptly matters because an increase ordinarily cannot be applied retroactively to when the raise began.

If you believe you are due more child support in 2026, the experienced DuPage County, IL family law lawyers at Farooqi & Husain Law Office can tell you whether the increase justifies a petition.

When Can a Parent Increase Child Support After a Raise in Illinois?

Under 750 ILCS 5/510, Illinois allows modification when circumstances have changed substantially. A meaningful, lasting raise can support that finding. A modest adjustment will not necessarily change the order.

If state child support enforcement is involved, support may be changed after 36 months without a major change in circumstances. The new amount must differ from the current order by at least 20 percent and $10 per month. This rule does not apply if the difference is due to an earlier approved exception to the guidelines. Changes in healthcare needs may also justify a modification.

Parents can request a Child Support Services review or seek modification in court. Still, neither route guarantees an increase.

How Does Illinois Calculate Child Support?

Illinois uses an income-shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505 to calculate child support. The court determines each parent's net income, combines them, and applies a schedule reflecting what parents at that combined income level typically spend on children. The parents share the obligation based on income. Illinois updated its tables in March 2026.

Parenting time (also known as visitation) affects the result. When each parent has the children for at least 146 overnights per year, a shared parenting calculation applies. The formula considers income and overnights but does not automatically reduce support.

Additional expenses are handled separately. Examples include health insurance premiums, childcare costs, and extraordinary medical or educational expenses. Because both incomes matter, a raise for your ex does not automatically mean a proportional increase. If your income also rose, the two changes may partially offset each other.

What Counts as Income for Child Support in Illinois?

Illinois defines income broadly as it relates to child support. Examples of income that count include:

• Wages, salary, and self-employment income
• Bonuses and commissions
• Overtime pay, including recurring overtime
• Severance pay
• Retirement and pension payments
• Certain Social Security disability and retirement benefits
• Rental income and investment returns
• Qualifying distributions from a business a parent owns

Bonuses and overtime produce frequent disputes. Courts look at whether the income is recurring and reliable. For example, a parent who has received a substantial bonus every year is in a different position than one who received a single one.

Business owners present their own complications. Income reported on a tax return can understate what a parent actually has available, particularly where personal expenses run through the business. Financial records help bring clarity to what should count as income.

How Can You Find Out Your Ex's Income for Illinois Child Support?

You can explore a modification without knowing your ex's exact salary. A promotion or job change can warrant further inquiry. But keep in mind that a new car or social media post does not prove higher income.

Once a modification petition is filed, discovery opens. Your attorney can require your ex to produce pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 and 1099 forms, bank statements, and employment records. An employer can also receive a subpoena for relevant records.

Courts can require sworn financial affidavits listing income, expenses, assets, and debts. An attorney can compare these with other records to identify missing income.

How Do You Request a Child Support Increase in Illinois?

To request a child support increase in Illinois, take these steps to prepare your case:

• Review your current order and contact an attorney or Child Support Services promptly.
• Gather existing pay information and documents showing changed circumstances.
• Document your own income accurately, since it affects the calculation too.
• Note changes in the children's expenses, including childcare, insurance, and activities.
• Track the current parenting schedule, since overnights affect the formula.
• Avoid discussing the petition with the children.

Modified payments typically begin no earlier than proper notice of the request. So, prompt filing and notice protect your opportunity for an increase.

Contact Our Oakbrook Terrace, IL Child Support Attorneys Today

Child support modifications can have a lasting impact on your family's financial future. If you’re seeking an increase in payments, having an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and prepare a strong case.

Attorney Naveed Husain brings experience in family law and estate planning, including knowledge of Islamic legal traditions. Attorney Ausaf Farooqi has a background in immigration and estate planning, along with an understanding of Islamic personal law. Together, they provide guidance that considers each family's unique circumstances and financial needs.

Contact Farooqi & Husain Law Office at 630-909-9114 to talk to our DuPage County, IL family law lawyers today.