Do you want to know more about child support in Minnesota? Read this to discover what you need to know about Minnesota child support in 2023!

Did you know that fewer than 20% of child support cases currently receive public assistance? That’s part of what Minnesota lawmakers hope to change by introducing new child support laws this year.

If you and your partner are preparing to split up in Minnesota, child support is likely a significant item on your proverbial “to-do list.” With the changes to state regulations every year, it can be hard to keep track of all the ins and outs of Minnesota child support.

That’s why we’re here. This quick child support guide will walk you through everything related to Minnesota child support that you need to know in 2023, taking some of the stress out of your divorce proceedings.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is money one parent gives to the other parent to help pay for things the child needs. This can include food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. Child support can also be used to pay for things like the following:

• School expenses
• Recreation
• Clothing
• Food
• Healthcare

Paying child support is not just something you have to do — it’s an important way to help ensure your child has a good life. It doesn’t matter your relationship with your child’s other parent. Parents should take this responsibility seriously and make sure they pay child support on time every month.

Minnesota Child Support 101

Child support laws in different states can be different, even though there are some federal rules that all states must follow.

For example, every state has to have a way to calculate how much child support one parent should pay the other parent, and this calculation can be different from state to state. Some states might require the parent who owes child support to pay for a longer time than others, and the amount of child support might also be different.

What do you need to know about child support laws in Minnesota? In Minnesota, there are laws to help children who do not live with one or both of their parents. With court-mandated child support payments, these children can receive money to help them (via payments to their parents, of course).

The parent receiving the child support can use the money for things like food, clothes, and healthcare. However, parents are not the only ones who can ask for child support payments in Minnesota. Grandparents, other relatives, or even county attorney’s offices can file claims too.

In other words, child support is an important part of family law in Minnesota — one that helps children and families have what they need.

Minnesota Child Support Changes in 2023

There’s good news on the horizon for divorced parents in Minnesota. New child support laws went into effect on January 1st, 2023. What’s new for 2023? Mostly, we see changes to the law designed to make it easier for parents to provide for their families.

The new legislation will help make sure that child support orders are more fair and tailored to individual family dynamics. Although many parents will benefit from the updated guidelines, those from lower income brackets and those with children from different sources may see the most significant changes in their financial situations.

Here’s what to know.

Up-to-Date Economic Data

Average inflation was a whopping 8% in 2022, compared to just 1.6% 20 years ago in 2002. That’s why Minnesota’s new child support law for 2023 introduces up-to-date economic data into judges’ decisions for calculating child support payments.

This will be a welcome change for those using the existing guidelines; they were based on a staggering 20 years ago economic data. The basic support table will enable more accurate and up-to-date calculations so that children are provided with appropriate levels of financial support.

Minimum Basic Support Amounts

Parents struggling to make ends meet often have trouble making child support payments. In these cases, it can be emotionally and financially taxing when a parent is forced to make payments. However, they still have a responsibility to support their children.

That’s why the 2023 changes to child support in Minnesota include a minimum basic support amount of $50 for families with one child and additional increases of $10 per extra child. This legislation is a huge step forward in the state’s commitment to ensuring that all children have access to the financial resources they need for adequate care.

Note that this is (usually) the case even if you’ve declined to receive child support.

Low-Income Adjustment

In 2023, Minnesota will start allowing low-income parents to have lower child support payments. If both parents make less than $6,000 combined, they can have a lower child support payment. This will help make sure that the children are still taken care of.

This is incredibly helpful for low-income families. Overall, this is a good thing because it makes Minnesota’s child support laws more equal and fair for everybody involved.

Income Deductions

Finally, there were changes to income deductions as they relate to child support in Minnesota. Now, all children will be considered fairly regarding income and deductions. The new laws include the allowance of income deductions for any children involved in a family, regardless of whether or not the parents are obligated with a legal child support order.

As mentioned above, this benefits parents with multiple children from different partners.

Get Help With Child Support Mediation

Thinking about child support mediation and settling child support issues? You’ve come to the right place. At FairWell Family Law Mediation, we have an experienced Minnesota child support mediation attorney who is well-equipped with the knowledge necessary to navigate various issues that arise under Minnesota family law.

We understand the complexity of child support cases and are ready and willing to help you settle child support through private means. Our team will be with you every step of the way, so contact us today if you need quality legal advice.