What To Know About Child Support In Minnesota
In 2007, Minnesota’s child support payment guidelines changed. Under the old law, the noncustodial parent was required to pay a set amount of child support regardless of the amount of parenting time he or she was awarded. The income of the custodial parent was not recognized. Today, the court considers the incomes (and income potential) of both parents. They also count the parenting time schedule, health insurance premiums for children and more.
At Dwire Law Offices, in Lakeville, Minnesota, divorce attorney Todd Dwire offers a free initial consultation to discuss changes in child support payment laws and how they affect you and your family. Contact us today if you have questions regarding your child support payments.
Parenting Time And Child Support
In a family law matter, like a divorce, where child support is at issue, the parties’ parenting plan will evaluate the parenting time of the paying spouse.
Child support is calculated based upon four factors:
- Gross incomes of both parties
- Cost of dependent health insurance
- Cost of work-related childcare
- The parenting time schedule
People are often concerned about the costs of daycare, college tuition, extracurricular activities and other unique costs that may be involved in raising a child. The parties can negotiate these costs during mediation. An experienced family law lawyer can advise you with respect to seeking support for additional costs, whether you are divorced or were never married.
Attorney Todd Dwire is committed to answering all questions about child support.
Child Support Modifications
You may also be entitled to modify your child support payments if your order was entered under the old law. To qualify for a child support modification, you would have to show the court that you had a substantial change in circumstances. These changes could include a loss of a job, an illness, or a change in income or expenses for you or your former spouse. We can help you determine if your change in circumstances is severe enough that a court would allow a modification.
Avoiding Court With Informal Child Support Agreements Is Risky
While an informal agreement between you and your ex-spouse may seem less onerous than a court-ordered modification, it exposes you to certain risks. For example, you may be accruing child support arrearages without even realizing it. Even though you may have a good relationship now, if the relationship begins to deteriorate, he or she can enter an enforcement motion against you.
Your Case Begins With A Free Consultation
To protect our clients, divorce lawyer Todd Dwire enters modification motions as soon as a change in circumstances requires them. To discuss your child support case with Lakeville divorce attorney Todd Dwire, call 952-232-0179 or fill out the contact form on this site. From our Lakeville office, we can assist clients in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee.