On January 13, 2025, the Illinois Senate introduced SB0027, a legislative bill aimed at reforming child support calculations in cases of shared and split physical care. The bill seeks to address the complexities of child support obligations when parents share custody, ensuring a fairer distribution of financial responsibilities based on actual parenting time and income.

One of the key provisions of SB0027 is the adjustment of child support obligations for parents who share physical care of their children. If each parent has the child for 146 or more overnights per year, the basic child support obligation is increased by 50% to reflect the shared care arrangement. This change aims to provide a more equitable financial framework that considers the time each parent spends with the child.

Additionally, the bill introduces a method for calculating support in cases of split physical care, where parents have custody of different children. It requires the use of two separate worksheets to determine the support owed between parents, ensuring that each parent's financial obligations are calculated fairly based on the number of children in their care.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding its potential impact on families and the child support system. Proponents argue that it will lead to more equitable outcomes for parents and children, while critics express concerns about the administrative burden of implementing the new calculations and the potential for disputes over the interpretation of shared care.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is tasked with creating a worksheet to facilitate these calculations, which could streamline the process for families navigating child support issues. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for child welfare and family law in Illinois remain a focal point of debate.

In conclusion, SB0027 represents a significant shift in how child support is calculated in Illinois, with the potential to reshape financial responsibilities in shared and split custody arrangements. As discussions continue, the bill's future will be closely monitored by families, legal experts, and policymakers alike.