50/50 Parenting Time in Illinois: Do You Still Pay Child Support?

Many parents assume that if parenting time is split equally, child support automatically goes away.

It does not.

In Illinois, child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model, and parenting time is only one part of the equation. Even with equal parenting time, one parent may still owe child support depending on income levels.

Here’s how it actually works.

How Illinois Calculates Child Support

Illinois uses the Income Shares Model, which looks at:

• Both parents’ net incomes

• The number of children

• The allocation of parenting time (measured by overnights)

  
  

The court combines both parents’ incomes to determine the total child support obligation. That obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent’s share of the combined income.

Therefore, parenting time can adjust the amount — but it does not automatically eliminate it.

What Counts as Shared Parenting Time?

Illinois generally considers parenting time “shared” when one parent has 146 or more overnights per year (40% or more).

Parenting time can affect child support once a parent has 146 or more overnights in the year. It reduces the child support amount as both parents are significantly contributing to the day-to-day expenses.

When parenting time reaches this threshold, the calculation shifts to a shared parenting formula. The court applies a multiplier and adjusts the obligation to reflect the increased expenses of maintaining two households for the child.

However, income differences still matter.

Example Scenario

Let’s say:

• Parent A earns $8,000 per month (net).

• Parent B earns $3,000 per month (net).

• They share parenting time equally.

Even with shared parenting time, Parent A may still owe child support because the Income Shares Model aims to maintain the child’s standard of living across both households.

The court does not simply cancel support because time is equal.

When Might Child Support Be Minimal or Reduced?

(In Illinois, it cannot be zero.)

Child support may be reduced when:

• Parenting time is shared

• Both parents earn similar incomes

• There are no substantial additional expenses

• The child has special needs (which may cause child support to deviate upward)

Illinois courts carefully review the numbers in every case. The goal is fairness for the child, not mathematical symmetry between parents.

What About Expenses Like Daycare and Medical Costs?

Even in shared parenting situations, parents may still be required to share:

• Health insurance premiums

• Uncovered medical expenses

• Daycare costs

• Extracurricular activities

These are often allocated separately from the base support calculation.

Common Misconceptions About Shared Parenting Time

Myth: Equal time means no child support.

Reality: Income disparity often results in support being ordered.

Myth: If we agree not to exchange money, we don’t need court approval.

Reality: If the parties wish to deviate up or down from child support from that which was court ordered, they must enter a new court order and obtain a judge’s approval. Otherwise, they may later face a petition for contempt for failing to comply with the original order. Illinois may also apply a 9% statutory interest on any unpaid child support balance pursuant to the Court’s order.

Myth: Child support punishes the higher-earning parent.

Reality: The formula is designed to meet the child’s needs across both homes.

Shared parenting time does not automatically eliminate child support in Illinois.

If there is a significant income difference between parents, support may still apply — even when parenting time is equal.

Understanding how the Income Shares Model applies to your specific circumstances is critical before making assumptions or agreements.

📞 Have questions about how parenting time affects child support in your case?

Please call Larimer Law LLC today at (773) 902-0200 or email angela@larimerlawllc.com to set up a free consultation with Angela Larimer to explore your specific family law needs.  We are here for you when you need us!