People are often confused about questions related to child support. Below are some answers to common child support questions in Minnesota. Please keep in mind that every case is unique and it is always helpful to consult with an attorney about your individual case.
How does the court decide how much child support I pay?
The amount of child support you pay is not just a random number determined by the judge or magistrate listening to your case; it is calculated based on both parties’ income, the amount of parenting time, and the cost of health insurance/daycare. It can also change if either party has any nonjoint children and costs associated with them. Income can be imputed to a party if the judge determines that they are voluntarily unemployed, underemployed, or employed part-time.
The judge also has the authority to deviate from the child support calculator under Minnesota Statute 518A.43. This would be done to prevent a party from living in poverty because of the amount of child support he/she has to pay.
The Minnesota Child Support Calculator mentioned above can be found here.
What does PICS mean?
PICS stands for “parental income for determining child support” and is discussed in Minnesota Statute 518A (link below). On the child support calculator, line 4 is listed as “percentage share of combined PICS”. PICS can be used in place of the calculator for childcare and health care expenses. For example, parties can agree to pay childcare expenses based on PICS, so regardless of what the actual expenses are it is easy to determine who pays what.
How do you change your child support obligation?
Minnesota Statute 518A.39 covers the modification of child support. To modify child support the change in support must amount to at least 20% and at least $75.00 per month higher or lower. The reasoning behind this is the court does not have the resources to change child support orders for nominal amounts in either direction. Support can also be modified if the cost of living has changed, someone has started receiving public assistance, or if there has been an increase in expenses for the child.
To change your obligation, you must file a Notice of Motion and Motion to Modify Child Support, Affidavit in Support of Motion to Modify Child Support with your financial documents attached to a Confidential Information Form, and have the documents served on the other party. It is important to note again that every case is different, and some child support cases can be in the expedited process depending on the situation.
Lastly, the court cannot retroactively modify child support. This means that the court only looks at when the other party was served with your motion and going forward. So even if the other party got a substantial raise a year ago and you just haven’t gotten around to modifying support, the court will only modify it from the time the person was given paperwork.
For more information, visit the MN Courts Forms Website and Statute 518A.
Remember, child support is meant for the costs associated with the child. Withholding support because of something the other parent has done is taking money away from your child’s needs.
How does the court decide how much child support I pay?
The amount of child support you pay is not just a random number determined by the judge or magistrate listening to your case; it is calculated based on both parties’ income, the amount of parenting time, and the cost of health insurance/daycare. It can also change if either party has any nonjoint children and costs associated with them. Income can be imputed to a party if the judge determines that they are voluntarily unemployed, underemployed, or employed part-time.
The judge also has the authority to deviate from the child support calculator under Minnesota Statute 518A.43. This would be done to prevent a party from living in poverty because of the amount of child support he/she has to pay.
The Minnesota Child Support Calculator mentioned above can be found here.
What does PICS mean?
PICS stands for “parental income for determining child support” and is discussed in Minnesota Statute 518A (link below). On the child support calculator, line 4 is listed as “percentage share of combined PICS”. PICS can be used in place of the calculator for childcare and health care expenses. For example, parties can agree to pay childcare expenses based on PICS, so regardless of what the actual expenses are it is easy to determine who pays what.
How do you change your child support obligation?
Minnesota Statute 518A.39 covers the modification of child support. To modify child support the change in support must amount to at least 20% and at least $75.00 per month higher or lower. The reasoning behind this is the court does not have the resources to change child support orders for nominal amounts in either direction. Support can also be modified if the cost of living has changed, someone has started receiving public assistance, or if there has been an increase in expenses for the child.
To change your obligation, you must file a Notice of Motion and Motion to Modify Child Support, Affidavit in Support of Motion to Modify Child Support with your financial documents attached to a Confidential Information Form, and have the documents served on the other party. It is important to note again that every case is different, and some child support cases can be in the expedited process depending on the situation.
Lastly, the court cannot retroactively modify child support. This means that the court only looks at when the other party was served with your motion and going forward. So even if the other party got a substantial raise a year ago and you just haven’t gotten around to modifying support, the court will only modify it from the time the person was given paperwork.
For more information, visit the MN Courts Forms Website and Statute 518A.
Remember, child support is meant for the costs associated with the child. Withholding support because of something the other parent has done is taking money away from your child’s needs.
