Child Support - Cundy & Paul, LLC, Minnesota

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Contact Information - Bloomington, MN 55431

	Child support in the State of Minnesota is set pursuant to the Minnesota Child Support Guidelines. Normally, the parent who is granted primary physical custody of the minor children receives child support from the other parent. The amount of child support paid is based on the number of children and the non-custodial parent's net monthly income.
	As and for additional child support, a non-custodial parent can also be ordered to contribute toward any day care expenses that the custodial parent incurs on a monthly basis. There is a formula which the Courts use to determine the appropriate percentage of the monthly day care expense that a non-custodial parent will be ordered to contribute. Also, a non-custodial parent can be ordered to provide medical and dental insurance for the minor children, if available, or to contribute toward the health insurance costs incurred by the custodial parent or the County (if the children are on Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care). The amount of child support ordered may be adjusted if the parents are granted joint physical custody or in cases where the non-custodial parent and the custodial parent share almost equal parenting time. In those instances, the Court determines each parent's child support obligation separately, reduces both of them based on the percentage of parenting time granted to each parent and then off-sets the remaining amounts against each other to arrive at a figure that one parent may be ordered to pay.
	Many times, child support actions are commenced by the County against non-custodial parents or against putative fathers in paternity cases. The County may be assisting a custodial parent in attempting to establish or increase child support, or the County may be seeking reimbursement of public assistance money that it paid to the custodial parent. The County may also be seeking a cost-of-living increase or be pursuing an individual who has failed to meet his or her court ordered obligations.
	In most instances, the County is acting within the new Expedited Child Support System. Within that system, all hearings are held before a Child Support Magistrate who has authority over all issues pertaining to the support of minor children. Unfortunately, absent an agreement between the parents, the Child Support Magistrate does not have authority over custody or visitation issues. If a parent desires to have custody and visitation issues addressed by the Court, he or she must appear before a judge or referee of Family Court.
	Modification of an existing child support obligation can occur if the parent requesting the modification can demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances which makes the existing order unreasonable or unfair. A review of the parties' respective incomes and expenses are only two of the many factors that a Court must consider before making any changes in an existing child support Order.
	Child support issues and matters involving other forms of financial support for children can be very complex and intimidating. Not receiving the proper advice can lead to significant long term financial obligations. As a result, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to guide you through the difficult Expedited Child Support Process or in any proceeding where child support is to be determined or modified.