How did a 2005 bill change child support laws in Minnesota?

On Behalf of | Oct 27, 2020 | Blog, Child Custody |

Child support laws in Minnesota have changed over the past decade. In 2005, a bill was passed that essentially overhauled the existing child support guidelines. Here’s what parents should know about the 2005 law that changed child support laws in Minnesota.

How did the 2005 bill change child support laws in Minnesota?

Before this bill, Minnesota was one of the few states in the United States that didn’t take both parents’ income into consideration. Instead, the court simply assumed that the non-custodial parent would pay child support. After the 2005 bill was passed, the state began taking both parents’ income and the time they spend with the child into consideration.

In addition to this change, the new law allowed parents to request a review hearing every six months. The 2005 bill declared that each parent can have custody of their child at least 25% of the time. Additionally, the bill declared that parents can request a child support modification if they experience a significant increase or decrease in income. The bill also established a $35 fee for requesting a child support modification. Finally, the bill allowed parents a 12% reduction in child support payment if they spent a certain amount of time with the children.

Where can parents go for help with child support disputes?

Negotiating a fair child support payment can be one of the most challenging parts of a divorce. In some cases, one parent might feel that the other is asking for too much. In others, the parent might feel like their child is receiving too little. An attorney might be able to help their client negotiate for a fair child support payment that gives their child the financial support they need without breaking their budget. They may also help parents who want to request a child support modification.

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