Child Support

Protecting Your Rights In Child Support Cases

Children have a right to be financially supported by both parents. When a child is being raised by a sole parent or when the child’s parents divorce, the court steps in to determine the amount of support to be ordered. The Minnesota child support lawyers of Coodin Law Office, LLC can answer your questions about child support, help you understand your rights and obligations under Minnesota child support laws, and provide experienced representation through your family court case.

Call Coodin Law Office, LLC at 651-209-1155, or email us to schedule your free initial consultation. When you email us, someone will contact you promptly.

Child support provides the financial resources to which a child is entitled when being raised by divorced or separated parents. In addition to mandating a monthly child support payment (basic support), a child support order can include orders regarding health insurance coverage (medical and dental support), allocation of out-of-pocket/unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, and day care costs (child care support), where applicable.

How Is Child Support Determined In Minnesota?

Minnesota previously did not consider both parents’ incomes when determining child support. Now, both parents’ gross incomes, percentage of parenting time and certain additional factors are used in determining the amount of child support. Our attorneys can help you understand how this change affects you and your divorce.

In August 2015, Minnesota reduced the number of factors used in assessing custody and no longer assesses differently for sole and joint custody. The new law looks at the needs of the children and the ability of the parents to meet those needs both individually and jointly.

You can use the Minnesota Child Support Calculator yourself, but the following is used to calculate child support in Minnesota:

Gross monthly income of each parent, including:
- Salary, wages and tips/commissions
- Spousal maintenance (also called alimony)
- Social Security or veterans benefits
- Income from self-employment
- Other reported income
Number of children living in each parent’s home
Existing child support orders
Monthly expense for medical and dental coverage
Child care costs
Percentage or amount of parenting time

It is important to note that although the Minnesota child support guidelines are closely followed to determine child support amounts, there are circumstances in which the court will deviate from the guidelines. By having a skilled Minnesota child support attorney on your side, you can be certain that the appropriate arguments will be presented to ensure that the child support order accurately reflects your situation and the needs of your children.

Child Support Modifications

Child support orders can be modified when there has been a substantial change in financial circumstances. This can include job loss, disability, a significant increase or decrease in a parent’s income or a change in the percentage of parenting time. Modifications should be handled by an experienced family law attorney — even if you and the other party agree on the change.

Coodin Law Office, LLC safeguards your interests and the interests of your children. Contact our Twin Cities metro law firm today to arrange your free initial consultation.

Located in Woodbury, our firm advises and represents clients throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota.