Brainerd
Child Support Lawyers

Residential parents count on child support payments to give their children better lives. Yet a majority of these custodians do not receive the full amount of child support. Frequently, that’s because the child support obligation amount is incorrect. An obligor’s partial inability to pay quickly becomes a total unwillingness to pay. So, accuracy in these court orders is often key.

The diligent Brainerd child support lawyers at Carlson & Jones play close attention to details. In terms of original determinations, the guideline amounts are usually, but not always, appropriate. Later, when financial or other circumstances change, our professional team helps ensure that the child support obligation is tailored to your family’s needs.

Original Determinations

Minnesota is an income share state. As a result, the guideline child support amounts consider a number of factors, such as the proportional income of both parents and the amount of parenting time. Therefore, the guidelines are also quite complex.

Although the guidelines are presumptively reasonable, they are by no means one-size-fits-all. Crow Wing County judges can alter the guideline amount, either up or down, due to variables such as:

• Age of the children,
• Significant parental income or debt payment disparity,
• Residence of the children, and
• Tax considerations, specifically child tax credits.

The party requesting deviation must prove the request is reasonable and the outcome would be in the best interests of the children.

Making Changes/Modifications to Child Support

Most people change jobs frequently. Even if they remain in the same position, annual reviews and other salary changes are commonplace. Emotional circumstances often change as well. Despite what court orders say, many children spend the bulk of their time with one parent and almost no time with the other parent.

Either of these changes could support a successful motion to modify. But there are strings attached. For example, income changes must be significant, permanent, unanticipated, and at least to a large extent, involuntary. Short-term fluctuations are insufficient, and people cannot quit their jobs to reduce their child support obligations.

Get Help Today from an Experienced Brainerd Child Support Attorney

Child support obligations should always accurately reflect a specific family’s financial profile. In some cases, however, determining income and expenses can be difficult, especially when income comes in from multiple sources. Further, complex personal issues which lead to variations in monthly expenses can be tricky to work around. Our experienced Brainerd child support lawyer can help you. For free consultation, contact Carlson & Jones, P.A. (218) 736-9429. We routinely handle matters in Crow Wing County and nearby jurisdictions.