When Do Moms Have to Pay Child Support?

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Family Law

Many people assume that child support is something fathers always pay to mothers after a divorce or separation. But in reality, Illinois law does not look at gender when deciding child support. Mothers can be required to pay support just like fathers, depending on custody arrangements and each parent’s income.

If you are a mother going through a divorce or facing a custody dispute, it is important to understand when child support applies. With over 175 years of combined experience, our client-focused Bloomingdale, IL child custody attorneys guide parents through these questions every day. We offer free consultations to help you plan your next steps.

How Child Support Works in Illinois

Illinois child support laws are found in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/505). Since 2017, the state has used an income shares model to calculate child support. This model adds up both parents’ incomes and divides support between them based on how much each one earns.

This means child support is not automatically assigned to fathers. Either parent may be required to pay support, depending on the circumstances.

When Moms May Have to Pay Child Support in Illinois

A mother may be ordered to pay child support in several situations:

• Father has primary parenting time: If the father has the majority of parenting time, and the mother earns income, she may have to contribute support.

• Shared parenting arrangements: When both parents have the children at least 146 nights per year, support is calculated using a special formula that considers parenting time and income. If the mother earns more, she may owe support even if custody is shared.

• Significant income differences: Even if both parents are involved in raising the children, the parent with higher income may owe support. If the mother earns considerably more than the father, she may be required to pay.

In addition to income and parenting time, Illinois courts may consider how much health insurance costs and who it makes sense to have paying it. Courts can also add daycare or babysitting costs, tuition or extracurricular activities, and special medical needs. These expenses are often added to the base child support amount and divided between parents.

Contact a Bloomingdale, IL Child Support Lawyer

If you are a mother with questions about child support, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under Illinois law. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our DuPage County, IL divorce attorneys bring more than 175 years of combined experience helping parents navigate support issues so they can protect their children’s future. Call 630-932-9100 today to schedule your free consultation.