How Do I Get Child Support if My Ex Gets Paid "Off the Books?"

 Posted on February 28, 2026 in Child Support

Your ex is getting paid off the books, under the table…whatever expression you like. If you’re expecting them to pay child support, it's not just the IRS who needs to know more about that money and how much of it there is.

Parents getting paid in cash to avoid paying child support is more common than you might think, and it is incredibly frustrating. If your ex is hiding income, know that there are tools to fight back and make sure your child gets the support they deserve. A Skokie child support attorney can help you use them.

Does My Ex Have to Pay Child Support if They Get Paid in Cash?

Every person who owes child support must pay that support, regardless of how they receive their paycheck. Courts determine child support payments based on a parent's gross income per 750 ILCS 5/505. That income includes cash, tips, side jobs, and anything else a parent earns, even if it never shows up on paper.

Illinois judges and family court commissioners know that some parents will try to appear broke on paper to lower their child support obligations. There are methods the court can use to work around this.

What Is Imputed Income, and How Does It Work?

When a parent cannot or will not show proof of their real income, the court can use something called "imputed income." This is when the court estimates what a parent is capable of earning based on their work history, skills, education, and the jobs available in their area.

Under Illinois law, if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed – or if their reported income just does not add up – the court can base child support on what they should be earning, not just what they claim to earn.

How Do You Prove Your Ex Is Hiding Income?

This is where having an attorney in your corner really matters. There are several ways to build a case that your ex's reported income is unrealistic:

• Bank records and bank statements that show regular cash deposits
• Social media posts showing expensive purchases, vacations, or a lifestyle that does not match their claimed income
• Witness testimony from people who know how much your ex earns or charges for their work
• Things like rent payments, car payments, or other expenses that could not be covered by their stated income
• Subpoenas (a formal court order to produce documents or other evidence) for financial records from clients, employers, or payment apps like Venmo or Cash App

Illinois courts have a lot of tools to make sure they have the full financial picture.

What if My Ex Quit Their Job or Works Less on Purpose?

If a parent voluntarily quits, cuts their hours, or takes a lower-paying job to reduce their child support, the court can still impute income based on what they are capable of earning. Any parent who is out of a job or forced to take a lower-paying job will need to have strong evidence backing their claim that they did not do it on purpose.

If you believe your ex quit or is working less to avoid child support payments, you'll need to show evidence that the change was voluntary and unreasonable. An attorney can help you know what evidence to include.

What Should I Do While I Wait for Child Support Payments?

Start documenting everything. Save screenshots of social media posts. Note what you observe about your ex's lifestyle and spending. Keep records of any cash payments or gifts you know they receive. The more evidence you get, the stronger your case will be.

Do not assume you are stuck with a low support order just because your ex works under the table. Remember that the law is on your side.

Call a Chicago Child Support Attorney Today

If your ex is hiding income and your child is not getting the support they need, you should get help right away from a Skokie child support lawyer. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., our attorney is a CPA. He has over 40 years of experience following the money in child support cases. He offers free, limited consultations and brings a unique combination of qualifications to every case. Call The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. at 312-984-1514 today to schedule.