Understanding Child Support Add-Ons in Illinois | Childcare, Extracurriculars & More

Описание: In Episode 39 of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and leading Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down one of the most confusing parts of child support: add-ons.

From health insurance and uncovered medical bills to daycare, extracurriculars, and school expenses, these additional costs can significantly impact both parents’ finances. In this episode, Bobby explains how each add-on is calculated, what judges look for, and where negotiation matters most.

Whether you're considering divorce, in the middle of one, or navigating co-parenting post-divorce, this episode will help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to avoid costly pitfalls.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:36] – What are child support add-ons?
[01:39] – Legal framing: what isn't included in base child support
[02:55] – How add-ons are calculated differently from child support
[03:40] – Health insurance premiums: who pays what?
[05:05] – Out-of-pocket medical expenses & how to split them
[06:00] – When health insurance becomes a major issue
[07:35] – Using the calculator: real number examples
[10:15] – How uncovered medical bills get divided
[11:50] – Why negotiating medical expense sharing matters
[13:20] – When the other parent carries the insurance
[14:15] – Comparing insurance options between parents
[15:00] – Childcare & daycare: why costs often spike after divorce
[16:25] – Daycare scenarios and financial pressures
[17:45] – How daycare costs are prorated
[18:40] – When support obligations hit $4,000/month
[19:55] – “Cheaper to keep them?” – the financial realities of divorce
[22:00] – How extracurricular and school expenses evolve as kids grow
[23:35] – Why predicting future costs is nearly impossible
[25:10] – Splitting big-ticket activities (sports, music, camps, etc.)
[26:00] – Real-life example: when expenses surprise both parents
[27:00] – Why flexibility is key in your parenting agreement
[28:15] – Splitting extracurriculars & using annual caps
[30:25] – How add-ons may shift as kids age
[31:20] – Career growth & income changes over time
[32:00] – Two major pitfalls parents don’t think about
[33:00] – Reimbursement deadlines: why they matter
[34:10] – Why you must formally modify agreements
[35:00] – Hypotheticals: 50/50 parenting & add-on splits
[36:05] – Job loss & daycare changes—now what?
[37:10] – When an ex stops paying for insurance
[38:10] – Why this can trigger an emergency motion
[39:00] – What’s coming next: maintenance, multifamily adjustments & private school

👉 Subscribe for more episodes of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast with Greer Howard and attorney Bobby Buchanan, where we make Illinois family law easier to understand.

📩 Got questions or topics you’d like covered? Drop them in the comments below!

🔗 For more resources and legal guidance:
📺 YouTube: ‪@IllinoisDivorceTV‬
🌐 Website: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: [email protected]

📌 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance tailored to your situation.


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