Southern Minnesota Child Support Attorneys

Understanding Child Support in Minnesota

In Minnesota, parents have a basic duty to provide financial support for their minor children. When there is a divorce or separation, a legal order may be put in place requiring the non-custodial parent—the parent without primary physical possession of the child—to make ongoing payments to their co-parent to support their child(ren). The core purpose of child support is to ensure that a child’s needs are met. There are actually multiple categories of child support: 

• Basic Monthly Child Support: Basic child support is the monthly payment that is made by the non-custodial parent. It is meant to cover expenses related to a child’s day-to-day needs, including housing, food, clothing, and transportation. 

• Add-On Expenses (Medical, Child Care, Etc): In Minnesota, parents also have a duty to contribute to reasonable “add-on” expenses, including medical care and child care. Additional child support may be required for these specific expenses. 

Under state law, the term “obligor” is officially used to describe the parent who has to pay child support. The term “obligee” is used to describe the parent who receives child support. Most often, child support lasts until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. That being said, there are some limited exceptions in which child support could be shorter (early emancipation of the child) or longer (a disabled child). 

An Overview of the Minnesota Child Support Guidelines

Similar to most other jurisdictions, Minnesota has general child support guidelines in place that are used to help determine the appropriate monthly child support obligation. The Minnesota Department of Human Services offers a Child Support Guidelines Calculator that can be used to give parents a basic understanding of the amount owed. The two main factors that will affect the amount owed when applying the child support guidelines are as follows: 

1. The income of each parent; and
2. The number of children being supported. 

However, there is flexibility within Minnesota’s child support guidelines. A court can deviate from the amount called for by the guidelines if good cause can be shown for why such an adjustment is necessary. In deviating from the child support guidelines, Minnesota courts can consider a wide range of different factors. Some other factors that can be considered for determining child support beyond the Minnesota state guidelines include: 

• Parental financial resources that are not captured by income; 
• Each parent’s financial ability to actually pay child support; 
• Each parent’s parenting time and contributions to raising the child;
• The standard of living the child was accustomed to during the marriage/relationship; and
• The unique medical, educational, or emotional needs of the child. 

Child support cases involving a proposed deviation from the Minnesota state guidelines can be especially complicated. If you are seeking to receive more child support than called for by the guidelines or you believe that you should pay less child support than called for by the guidelines, an experienced Southern Minnesota child support attorney can help. 

What to Know About Child Support Modifications in Minnesota

A child support order or child support agreement can be changed in Minnesota. Such a change is referred to as a child support modification. Minnesota courts have the power to modify an existing child support order or agreement if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. To be clear, Minnesota courts are not interested in re-litigating child support cases over and over again. A parent seeking modification of a child support order has the burden of proving that circumstances have changed in a material and substantial way. For example, if the parent paying child support lost their job, then a child support modification (reduction in payments) may be warranted. 

We Handle All Types of Child Support Cases

With deep family law experience, our attorneys are prepared to take on all types of child support cases in Southern Minnesota. No matter the specific nature of your situation, we are here to help you determine the best course of action. Along with other types of child support disputes, our Southern Minnesota family law attorneys have the experience to help clients with: 

• Negotiation of a child support settlement; 
• An initial child support order as part of a divorce/separation; 
• Deviation from the Minnesota child support guidelines; 
• Modification of an existing child support agreement/order; and
• Collection of delinquent child support payments. 

Why Choose the Minnesota Child Support Lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd

Child support cases can be complicated. You do not have to try to navigate Minnesota’s legal system alone. At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., we are here to guide you towards the best possible solution for your situation. Our firm provides proactive, pragmatic family law guidance and support. Among other things, our Southern Minnesota child support lawyers are prepared to: 

• Hear your story and conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child support case;
• Investigate the matter, thoroughly gathering and organizing relevant information; 
• Advocate for you in any child support related negotiations with your co-parent; and
• Develop a sensible strategy to protect your rights and help you get the best results. 

Contact Our Southern Minnesota Child Support Lawyers Today

At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., our Southern Minnesota child support attorney is an experienced, future-focused advocate for parents. If you are locked in any type of child support case, we are ready to protect your financial interests and help you find the right solution. Contact our legal team today for a completely confidential initial consultation. From our legal offices in Mankato and Rochester, our child support lawyers serve communities throughout Southern Minnesota.

Testimonial

“This law firm is very experienced, very effective, and yet very personable when interacting with me throughout my nerve-wracking legal process. I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I would hire the Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office again without hesitation. And, I have since recommended them to several friends and acquaintances.”

– TOM W., CLIENT