Steele Law PLLC

FAMILY LAW – ESTABLISHING CHILD SUPPORT AND MODIFICATION

Family Law

ESTABLISHING AND MODIFYING CHILD SUPPORT IN MINNESOTA

Many parents worry about child support when they are deciding to no longer be together. The parent who is likely to receive child support often worries about having enough to cover all the cost of caring for the children. The parent who is likely to pay child support worries about having enough money left over afterwards to cover his or her personal needs. In Minnesota, we have child support guidelines which were established to ensure children are not financially affected by the divorce or separation. The idea behind child support is to make sure children’s basic needs are met. While this may seem straightforward, child support is often more complicated. Which parent pays for extracurricular activities? Which parent pays for school? Which parent covers medical and dental insurance. What if there are special needs? At Steele Law PLLC family law attorney Minneapolis Heidi Viesturs guides clients through the process of establishing child support. No two cases are alike. Heidi will take the time to listen. She is committed to ensure she understands your situation and that she achieves your goals.

HOW CHILD SUPPORT WORKS IN MINNESOTA

Child support is determined by applying the state’s child support guidelines. Attorneys practicing Family law Minneapolis know these guidelines. The guidelines factor in the income of each parent, the number of children, as well as the expenses associated with raising each child. Expenses include medical and dental insurance, the costs of day care of preschool as well as other education expenses. The guidelines also weigh the amount of time each child spends at each household.

When both parents are receiving a paycheck, the calculation can be relatively straightforward. It is more difficult, however, if one or more parent’s income fluctuates such the owner of a small business. Some parents may unreported income or may be voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Heidi Viesturs, family attorney Minneapolis, is will find solutions to complex child support matters. She will work with you to develop a strategy to ensure that the needs of your children are met

HOW TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT IN MINNESOTA

Grounds for modifying custody can be found in Minnesota Statute 518A.39. In order to modify child support, the petitioner must show there has been a substantial change in circumstance that would make it unfair to keep the current support order. Circumstances that warrant a modification of custody might include:

Change in income — The income of one or both parents substantially changes, Petitioner must establish that there will be a 20 percent change in the amount of child support being paid when the guidelines are applied.
Change in custody — There is a change in the custody arrangement.
Public assistance — Either a parent or child is receiving state public assistance.
Change in expenses — For example if there is a significant change in child care expenses.
Loss of health insurance — Insurance is no longer available through employer or the cost of it has significantly changed.
Extraordinary medical expenses — The child has extraordinary medical expenses.
Emancipation — The child has become legally emancipated.

LET US HELP YOU ENSURE YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS ARE BEING MET

The best child support arrangements are those that both parents can agree to. This is not always possible. Talk to a lawyer today to discuss your child support needs. You may call our office directly at 612 605 0722 or email our family attorney Minneapolis office using our online contact form.

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