The short answer
What Illinois families should know.
A financial affidavit is a structured statement of income, expenses, assets, and debts. To evaluate it, compare the numbers with the supporting documents and the date of the statement. A discrepancy may reveal an error, an outdated figure, or a question requiring discovery; it does not automatically prove dishonesty.
Check the period and the math
Identify when the affidavit was signed and the period used for each figure. Monthly income should be calculated consistently from the actual pay frequency. Two paychecks per month and one paycheck every two weeks are different schedules. Annual or irregular expenses also need a clear monthly conversion. Check totals and look for double-counting, such as listing a credit-card payment and the same underlying expenses twice.
Reconcile income with the attachments
Compare employment income with current pay statements and the complete tax return, including schedules and business records where relevant. Identify bonuses, commissions, overtime, benefits, and other sources that may not appear as regular salary. A tax deduction does not automatically answer how an item should be treated for support. List the documents needed to explain a difference, and distinguish missing attachments from an affirmative claim that no income exists.
Review assets and debts together
An account value should have a date and supporting statement. A property estimate should identify its basis, and debt should be tied to a current balance and creditor. Compare the inventory with prior statements and known transactions. Transfers between listed accounts should not be counted as new assets. If something is missing, describe it precisely enough for a focused request rather than assuming the affidavit must be complete because it is signed.
Use a clear follow-up list
Prepare a short table identifying the affidavit entry, the supporting record, the discrepancy, and the requested explanation. Let counsel decide whether a correction, document request, or other discovery is appropriate. The statewide instructions require corrected information when mistakes or changes are identified. They also distinguish exchanging the affidavit from filing it: filing is required only when a local rule or court order requires it. Protect personal identifiers in any records submitted to the court.
Prepare
Useful next steps
- Use the current affidavit and all attachments.
- Check pay-frequency conversions and statement dates.
- Create a specific, document-based follow-up list.
Avoid
Common missteps
- Treating an unexplained difference as conclusive fraud.
- Filing sensitive financial attachments automatically.
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This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws, court rules, local procedures, and individual facts can change the analysis. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.