Child support involves money given to one parent from the other to help provide and care for a child. Minnesota statutes establish child support obligations with the intent to prevent either parent, or a joint child, from living in poverty. Child support includes a base amount, childcare costs, and costs related to dental and health insurance for the child. In certain situations,  a deviation is allowed to increase or decrease a child support obligation.

Factors of a Deviation

In Minnesota, not every child support case may be eligible for an upward or downward deviation. Courts may consider the following factors to determine a deviation from the State’s child support calculations:

• The income and earning resources for both parents,
• Any specific and extraordinary financial needs of the child,
• The previous standard of living for the child while parents were together,
• A child’s out of the country residency and the country’s higher or lower standard of living;
• Income tax dependency exemptions;
• Parents’ debts as it relates to the child’s specific and extraordinary financial needs
• The child support amount exceeds the amount allowed under Minnesota’s wage garnishment laws.

It is always a good idea to consult an attorney about your situation and Minnesota child support laws. If you are looking to have your child support downwardly deviated, you may need to bring evidence to the court to help determine if your case meets the court’s criteria.

If you have more questions regarding child support and deviations, contact our office today. Our child support attorneys are ready to assist you through the process. Contact our office at (763) 783-5146 or by submitting an online contact inquiry on our website to schedule your initial consultation.