Minnesota Child Custody & Minnesota Child Support

When deciding issues of custody, visitation, and support, Minnesota family courts, like their counterparts in other states, always look to the best interests of any children involved in a divorce. Minnesota courts will push for the parents to work together in a cooperative manner in working out the details of raising the children after the divorce. The court will get involved in this decision if the parties cannot agree. The following topics address the laws governing Minnesota child custody and support.

Minnesota Child Custody:

Minnesota courts will go to great lengths to lessen the emotional impact of divorce on the children involved. If the parents cannot agree on a plan for custody, the court will decide what is best for the children. This decision will be based on factors such as the willingness of one parent to encourage a continued relationship between the children and the other parent, as well as any history of violence or abusive conduct of any parent.

Minnesota Child Support:

Child support in Minnesota is determined in accordance with the Income Shares Model for child support, where each parent’s income is considered in relative proportion. The support amounts calculated from each parent then help decide which parent must pay the other in order to maintain the correct proportion and provide for the needs of the child.

These guidelines are not always followed, but a decision to follow a different standard will require supportive evidence showing 1) all the factors that affect the parties financial obligations differently, and 2) how applying a standard other than the Income Shares Model will more effectively preserve the best interests of the child.

The factors that can be considered here are numerous, and include but are not limited to the following:

1. Pre-dissolution or pre-separation standard of living that the child enjoyed
2. Monetary support provided for other family members
3. Debts arising during the marriage for the child’s benefit
4. Imputed income to a party who is voluntarily unemployed for the child’s benefit
5. Court-ordered payments for health care and education for the child’s benefit
6. Children’s independent financial resources, if any
7. Education, training, and/or career opportunities of the parties and/or ability to pursue those things

When it comes to childrearing after divorce, a Minnesota divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as serve as your advocate and/or counsel when negotiating a parenting agreement. You can find a lawyer at:

Minnesota Divorce/Child Support/Child Custody Lawyers:
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