Women's Bar Association of Illinois

1975

Charlotte Adelman, the WBAI’s President from 1984-1985, organizes a conference at the YWCA on the difficulties of collecting child support from fathers who don’t pay.

1978

Noteworthy newspaper reports that 80% of fathers do not pay court ordered child support.  The WBAI votes to support legislation for automatic enforcement by the State’s Attorney when child support is not paid.  The WBAI’s Board votes to support an amendment to the IL Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act which would provide for automatic enforcement of child support payments.

1978-79

Testimony was presented by WBAI members urging the passage of the child support collection amendments to the Dissolution of Marriage Act, what is now the Child Support Enforcement Act.  WBAI members marched for and financially supported the passage of the act as well as worked on the issue of battered woman. 

1980

The Child Support Enforcement Act is passed, effective 1982.

1981

A seven judge Child Support Enforcement Division is established.

1982

For the first time, the law enables child support payments to be made directly to the Clerk of the Circuit Court with automatic follow-up by the State’s Attorney for collection of delinquent payments.

1984

The WBAI begins a campaign to move the Child Support Enforcement Court to the Daley Center from 13^th Street and Michigan Avenue.

1986

The Child Support Enforcement Court is now located at the Daley Center.