If a question of paternity of a child is raised, the parties have a right to submit that question to a jury for determination. Therefore, the issue is whether or not defendant is the father of this child. The question of the amount of support for the child or the mother is not for the jury's consideration.
In a paternity case in Illinois, there are specific instructions given to the jury regarding the determination of child support. It is important to note that the amount of support is not a question for the jury to decide. Here is a detailed description of what this instruction entails, incorporating relevant keywords: In Illinois, when a paternity case goes to trial, the judge provides the jury with clear instructions on their role in determining child support. One crucial instruction is that the amount of support is not a question for them to decide. Instead, determining child support falls within the purview of the judge, who considers various factors, including the financial circumstances of both parents and the best interests of the child. During the trial, the jury's primary responsibility is to hear the evidence presented by both parties and make factual determinations regarding paternity. The evidence often includes DNA test results, witnesses, documents, and testimonies. The jury assesses the credibility and weight of this evidence and reaches a verdict on whether the alleged father is biologically related to the child in question. While the jury's role in determining paternity is crucial, they must understand that the calculation and establishment of child support amounts are governed by specific guidelines and formulas outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. These guidelines take into account the income and financial resources of both parents, the child's needs, and any unique circumstances that the court deems relevant. The judge alone has the authority to apply these guidelines and determine the appropriate amount of child support. It is important for the jury to remember that their focus should solely be on determining paternity based on the presented evidence, not on influencing or deciding the amount of support. This ensures that the jury does not overstep their jurisdiction and remains unbiased in their deliberations. Their duty is to provide an accurate verdict on paternity, which will then assist the judge in making an informed decision regarding child support. It is worth mentioning that although the amount of support is not a question for the jury in a paternity case, they play a critical role in resolving the fundamental issue of whether the alleged father is indeed the child's biological parent. This determination significantly influences future decisions regarding custody, visitation, and the child's overall welfare. Different types of Illinois jury instructions in a paternity case, explicitly stating that the amount of support is not a question for the jury, may include: 1. Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction — Paternity (Civil— - 9.06: This instruction clarifies the jury's role and explicitly informs them that determining child support is not within their purview, emphasizing their responsibility limited to determining paternity only. 2. Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction — Paternity (Civil— - 9.07: This instruction may provide further clarifications and guidance to the jury, elaborating on the legal framework surrounding child support and the specific factors judges consider when making these determinations. By following these Illinois jury instructions, the jury's focus remains on the crucial task of determining paternity, while recognizing that child support determinations are separate and fall solely within the domain of the judge.In a paternity case in Illinois, there are specific instructions given to the jury regarding the determination of child support. It is important to note that the amount of support is not a question for the jury to decide. Here is a detailed description of what this instruction entails, incorporating relevant keywords: In Illinois, when a paternity case goes to trial, the judge provides the jury with clear instructions on their role in determining child support. One crucial instruction is that the amount of support is not a question for them to decide. Instead, determining child support falls within the purview of the judge, who considers various factors, including the financial circumstances of both parents and the best interests of the child. During the trial, the jury's primary responsibility is to hear the evidence presented by both parties and make factual determinations regarding paternity. The evidence often includes DNA test results, witnesses, documents, and testimonies. The jury assesses the credibility and weight of this evidence and reaches a verdict on whether the alleged father is biologically related to the child in question. While the jury's role in determining paternity is crucial, they must understand that the calculation and establishment of child support amounts are governed by specific guidelines and formulas outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. These guidelines take into account the income and financial resources of both parents, the child's needs, and any unique circumstances that the court deems relevant. The judge alone has the authority to apply these guidelines and determine the appropriate amount of child support. It is important for the jury to remember that their focus should solely be on determining paternity based on the presented evidence, not on influencing or deciding the amount of support. This ensures that the jury does not overstep their jurisdiction and remains unbiased in their deliberations. Their duty is to provide an accurate verdict on paternity, which will then assist the judge in making an informed decision regarding child support. It is worth mentioning that although the amount of support is not a question for the jury in a paternity case, they play a critical role in resolving the fundamental issue of whether the alleged father is indeed the child's biological parent. This determination significantly influences future decisions regarding custody, visitation, and the child's overall welfare. Different types of Illinois jury instructions in a paternity case, explicitly stating that the amount of support is not a question for the jury, may include: 1. Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction — Paternity (Civil— - 9.06: This instruction clarifies the jury's role and explicitly informs them that determining child support is not within their purview, emphasizing their responsibility limited to determining paternity only. 2. Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction — Paternity (Civil— - 9.07: This instruction may provide further clarifications and guidance to the jury, elaborating on the legal framework surrounding child support and the specific factors judges consider when making these determinations. By following these Illinois jury instructions, the jury's focus remains on the crucial task of determining paternity, while recognizing that child support determinations are separate and fall solely within the domain of the judge.
