How is child support calculated?

In Minnesota, the amount of child support is calculated using a specific guideline formula depending on the particular circumstances of the case. The child support formula is based on the income levels of both parents and the number of children involved in the divorce. The formula requires the court to consider both the income of the custodial parent (the parent who has the primary care of the children), as well as the noncustodial parent (the parent who does not have primary physical custody, but may have parenting time). In addition, the court also considers other relevant factors, including the child’s health care and child care costs and the cost of educational expenses. Based on the parent’s income, the court will assign a basic child support amount. This amount can be adjusted more precisely depending on the children’s special medical needs, special educational expenses, or extraordinary expenses related to visitation. The court will also consider whether there are other children that are not part of the divorce and are living in the same household. The court has the authority to decide whether or not to deviate from the child support guideline formula in what is in the best interests of the children. However, any deviation from the guideline formula must be justified to the court.

Related FAQs

What is collaborative law?
What is a marital dissolution agreement?
What is a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO)?
What are child custody and visitation rights?
What are the benefits of a short-term marriage divorce?
Are there any grounds for an at-fault divorce?
What is a post-divorce modification?
What is a contested divorce?
What is a stipulation of settlement?
What is a collaborative divorce process?

How is child support calculated?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts