How is Child Support Calculated?
The guidelines outlined in Minnesota for determining child support consider the gross monthly income of each parent, as well as other circumstances, including spousal support (alimony), children from previous marriages or relationships, and each parent’s relative time spent with the child or children.
Judges may use their judgment in deviating from the state’s guidelines when child support is calculated. The situations, however, are noted by law and tend to involve extraordinary expenses or a child’s special needs. Parents are permitted to allocate children’s expenses as an alternative per any agreed-upon parenting plan. Given the complexities of the deviations, Sterle Law can advise you on navigating the guidelines and the best options for you, your child, and your situation.
Determining Child Support Amounts
To calculate child support in Minnesota, the “income share” model incorporates the gross income of each parent, the number of children, and the cost of providing good quality care for the children. The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides an online child support calculator to estimate child support payments. A Minnesota child support lawyer at Sterle Law will also work with you to assess child support calculations.
Rights and Responsibilities of Payers and Recipients
The failure to pay child support has serious repercussions. A noncustodial parent in arrears on child support payments may see jail time or be federally prosecuted if the child lives in another state, as well as have their assets seized, their wages garnished, lose their driver’s license, or experience damage to their credit history.
If you are a custodial parent of a child and have not received court-ordered child support payments or you are in arrears on child support payments, Sterle Law will help you navigate your options as a trusted Minnesota child support lawyer. If you owe child support, retaining an attorney to address the payments could mean the difference between creating a payment plan and jail and/or fines. As it is in the best interest of your child that you remain working to earn money for child support payments, the courts will work toward solutions for those who come forward rather than issuing warrants to collect child support or other measures.
Contact a Minnesota child support lawyer for more information.
The Long-Term Impact of Child Support Agreements
Child support agreements replace the financial support of a parent should parents separate or divorce. While child support cases can be difficult and emotional, the ultimate goal is to provide support for the child to ensure their safety and development.
Child support payments typically continue until the child is 18 years old or graduates from high school (whichever is later) unless there are other circumstances like a physical or medical condition. Therefore, creating fair and sustainable childcare agreements is ultimately the goal of many courts and attorneys.