A Lesson from Child Support Court: “Pull No Punches”
Minnesota Child Support Law mandates that child support is determined primarily by the parents’ incomes. Because income is so important to a court when figuring out a child support obligation,…
Custody Modification: What do you have to Prove?
In contested child custody cases, the Court determines the issue of custody and parenting time based upon what is in the “best interests of the child.” This is not an…
THE NEW CHILD SUPPORT LAW; FROM “CLIFFS” TO “BUCKETS”
Beginning August 1st, a change to the Minnesota child support law takes effect which should come to the relief of many parents who are paying too much child support under…
Changes Coming to Child Support in Minnesota
A variety of factors go into calculating child support. The law considers the income of both parents, the number of children, and each parent’s parenting time percentage, among other factors….
The New Tax Law and Spousal Maintenance
If you pay attention to the news at all, then I’m sure you know that Congress recently passed a new tax reform law. There are many sweeping changes to the…
When parents and grandparents share custody OF A CHILD, who pays child support?
Under Minn. Stat. § 518A.35, subd. 1(b), “the basic child support obligation shall be determined by referencing the guideline for the appropriate number of joint children and the combined parental…
MOVING OUT OF STATE WITH MY CHILD, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Moving to another state and leaving our Minnesota winters behind can be an exciting change, but, if your move includes your child that you share with a parent you’re not…
HOW CAN I GET MY EX TO HELP WITH DAY CARE EXPENSES?
For working parents, finding child care can be a scramble; especially for single parents. Whether you’re using a licensed day care, a nanny, a friend or relative, you’ve gotta find…
Using the Court’s Contempt Powers to Enforce a Child Support Order
I sometimes get asked what can be done about a parent who isn’t paying child support. It can be frustrating because there are sometimes different factors that explain why a…
Divorce Settlements: Your Terms versus the Judge’s Terms
Clients will sometimes ask me whether the Court would “allow” a certain settlement proposal. My response is almost always that so long as both parties agree to the terms, you…