Child Support in Minnesota

Helping You Create Your Next Chapter: Child Support

Areas of Family Law

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Legal Representation for 20 years

Minnesota Child Support Lawyers 

Advocating for Your Child’s Best Interests

Navigating child support issues can be overwhelming, whether you’re requesting or required to pay support. At Johnson/Turner, we’re committed to ensuring that parents’ rights are protected while pursuing what’s best for their children. Our experienced team will work with you to achieve a fair and practical outcome that supports your child’s needs.

When you work with us, you’re not only represented by an experienced family law attorney but also supported by a team that includes a senior paralegal, a client engagement specialist, and a life coach. We approach each case with empathy and a customized strategy, giving you the resources and guidance you need to maintain a strong relationship with your child and a stable financial arrangement. With fully-staffed offices in Forest Lake, Blaine, Lake Elmo, Rochester, Wayzata, and Woodbury, and remote teams available to meet you wherever you are, we’re ready to support your goals.

Understanding Child Support in Minnesota

Support arrangements in Minnesota typically cover three essential areas:

    • Basic Support: Covers the daily costs of raising a child, such as housing, food, and clothing.
    • Medical Support: Includes health, mental health, dental care, and vision care, including routine appointments and provisions for medical emergencies.
    • Childcare Support: Accounts for daycare or childcare expenses when parents are at work.

Our attorneys help ensure that all aspects of support are addressed and tailored to fit your family’s unique needs

How Is It Calculated in Minnesota?

Minnesota uses an “income shares” model to calculate support, factoring in each parent’s income, parenting time, and the overall cost of supporting the child. This calculation aims to replicate the financial support the child would have received if the parents had remained together, creating an equitable arrangement that aligns with each family’s financial reality.

This model also considers additional factors, such as healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and educational needs, ensuring that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s well-being. The process is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable to unique circumstances. For those seeking an estimate, the Minnesota Department of Human Services provides an online child support calculator.

Modifying Child Support

Over time, circumstances change, and your support arrangements may need to be adjusted to reflect new realities. In Minnesota, modifications can be requested if there has been a “material and substantial change in circumstances” that renders the current order unreasonable. Common reasons for modifying support include:

    • Significant changes in either parent’s income due to a new job or job loss.
    • Increased expenses for the child, such as healthcare or educational needs.
    • Changes in the number of children a parent is legally obligated to support.

Common Questions

    • What is the purpose of child support? It ensures that children maintain a consistent quality of life, even after a family separation. It’s meant to cover essential needs like food, shelter, and healthcare.
    • What does it cover? Generally, it  covers basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and childcare. It is not intended for extracurricular activities or private school fees (unless specified otherwise).
    • Can child support be modified? Yes. If circumstances change significantly, support arrangements can be modified to better reflect each parent’s situation and the child’s needs.
    • How does parenting time affect child support? The amount of parenting time directly impacts support obligations. In cases where parents share equal time and have comparable incomes, the court may reduce or waive the support requirement.

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Why Choose Johnson/turner

Meeting Your Legal Needs

At Johnson/Turner, we’re more than just advocates in the courtroom—we’re your partners in creating a stable future for your child. Our dedicated team uses a flat-fee pricing model, so you’ll never face unexpected costs, and you’ll have the full support of a knowledgeable team without worrying about hourly charges. With experienced attorneys and a client-focused approach, we’re here to help you through every phase of your case.

If you need assistance with a child support issue, from calculating support to requesting modifications, contact Johnson/Turner today for a consultation. Let us guide you through the process and help you secure a support arrangement that serves your child’s best interests.

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We believe in you

Life Coaching Services

Your legal well-being is our first concern, but we also want to help you create your own story. Matt Tuttle, our resident Life Coach, is here to help you navigate this difficult transition in your life by building on your strengths and abilities. As a client, you receive Matt’s Life Coaching service at no additional charge throughout the duration of your family law case.

Child Support

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