New Illinois law lowers shared-parenting child support threshold

August 6, 2026 - 16:54

A new law in Illinois is changing how child support is calculated for parents who share custody. The measure lowers the threshold for what counts as shared parenting, which could affect many families across the state. Previously, a parent needed to have the child at least 35 percent of the time to qualify for a reduced support payment. Now, that number has been dropped to 25 percent. Supporters say this better reflects the reality of modern parenting arrangements, where both parents often split time nearly evenly.

The law also introduces a new requirement for annual income disclosure. Parents paying or receiving child support must now provide updated financial information each year, instead of only when a case is opened or modified. This change is meant to keep support amounts fair and current, especially when a parent gets a raise or loses a job. Courts will use the updated figures to adjust payments automatically in some cases, though parents can still request a formal review if circumstances change.

Critics worry the lower threshold could lead to more disputes over custody time, since even a small shift in the schedule might now change the support amount. Others say the income disclosure rule adds a layer of bureaucracy that could burden low-income families. Still, the state's family law experts argue the changes bring Illinois in line with other states and reduce the financial strain on non-custodial parents who are actively involved in their children's daily lives. The law takes effect for new cases and modifications starting next year, and existing orders will be reviewed on a rolling basis.