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Child Support: General Information
Most of this information is taken from this power point which was provided at MNCLE: The complete family lawyer training: Child Support
What Comprises Child Support?
Child support is comprised of: (Minn. Ch. 518A)
- Basic support: the dollar amount ordered for a child’s housing, food, clothing, transportation, education costs, and other expenses related to the child’s care.
- Child Care Support: contribution toward the work related or education related childcare expenses that is based on the proportionate share of the parties’ combined monthly PICS.
- Medical Support
Why do parents have to contribute?
Contributions by a Parent are required per statute. (Minn. Stat. §256.87 / 518A.81)
Parents have a duty to support their children whether there is public assistance open:
- A parent of a child is liable for the amount of public assistance. . . furnished to and for the benefit of the child . . . . (subd. 1)
- A person or entity having physical custody of a dependent child not receiving public assistance. . . has a cause of action for child support against the child’s noncustodial parents. (subd. 5)
- Parentage should be established before support.
Related Article: Family Law – Establishing Paternity – K|H Law Wiki
When does the County get involved?
Generally speaking, the County is involved in ANY case in which public assistance is open (Minn. Stat. §257.741)
The County can also be involved when their assistance is requested to establish child support, modify child support, or enforce an order. This is called Non-Public Assistance Services.
What does and does not constitute “public assistance”?
DOES
- MFIP or TANF (for the joint child)
- Child Care Assistance (for the joint child)
- Medical Assistance (for the joint child)
DOES NOT
- MFIP or TANF for a parent
- Child Care Assistance for a non-joint child
- Medical Assistance for the parent
- Medicare
- Federal Subsidies
- MNSure (MNSure is an insurance exchange/marketplace, NOT a form of coverage)
Related Articles: Family Law – Public Assistance in Divorce / Custody Cases – K|H Law Wiki
How to Calculate Child Support
Child Support Calculation Guide & Definitions – K|H Law Wiki
Calculating Income
Common Types of Income for Child/Spousal Support – K|H Law Wiki
Potential Income / Imputing Income for Child Support – K|H Law Wiki
Underemployed or unemployed parents – K|H Law Wiki
Tips for Drafting Child Support Orders
Language for Child Support Stipulations / Proposed Order – K|H Law Wiki
Child Support: Reserved vs $0 – K|H Law Wiki
Child Support – Past Support vs Arrears and How to Calculate – K|H Law Wiki
Deviations
Past Support
Child Support – Past Support vs Arrears and How to Calculate – K|H Law Wiki
COLA
Family Law – Child Support: Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) – K|H Law Wiki
Child Support Modification
Family Law – Child Support Modification – K|H Law Wiki
Discovery / Financial Document Requests
Family Law – Child Support (District Court) Discovery / Exchange of Financial Docs – K|H Law Wiki