Child Support
Regular payments one parent makes to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child, as ordered by a court.
Child support is money that one parent pays to the other parent to help cover the costs of raising their child. In Minnesota, child support is calculated using guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the parenting time schedule, and costs like health insurance and child care. The court uses these guidelines to set a specific monthly amount.
Child support in Minnesota is typically collected through the Minnesota Child Support Payment Center, and payments are often taken directly from the paying parent’s paycheck through income withholding. Child support continues until the child turns 18 (or 20 if still in high school). Either parent can ask the court to modify child support if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income.
Why it matters: Child support is legally enforceable. Failing to pay can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, and even jail time for contempt of court.
Example: After a divorce, the court orders one parent to pay $800 per month in child support based on both parents’ incomes and the custody arrangement. The payment is automatically deducted from the parent’s paycheck.
Divorce cases, paternity cases, family court, child support enforcement