Twin Cities Child Support Attorney

Last updated on January 23, 2026

Child support determinations are meant to promote the best interests of the child. Minnesota law presumes that a child has a right to financial support from both parents. The ultimate goal is to arrive at a calculation that meets the best interests of the child by requiring each parent to pay their fair share.

At Huson Law Firm, PLLC, we believe that children are best served by two active parents, which is why it’s important to have shared financial responsibility for their upbringing. We’ve counseled many Twin Cities area families toward child support determinations that emphasize the shared responsibility intrinsic to parenting.

Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests

Child support is a broad category with three distinct parts:

• Basic support includes the cost of a child’s housing, food, clothing, transportation, education and other necessary care expenses.
• Medical support includes providing or making payments for the costs of health and dental insurance.
• Child care support includes the costs of child care while the parent is at work or school.

Together, these parts of child support make sure your child’s everyday needs are met. Working with a knowledgeable Twin Cities attorney can help you understand each category and ensure the support order truly protects your child’s best interests.

Child Support Calculator And Determination Process In Minnesota

In Minnesota, child support is determined using an “Income Shares” model. This approach looks at what parents would normally spend on their children if they lived together and then divides that cost between the parents based on income and parenting time.

Important factors include:

• Gross income of both parents: The court looks at each parent’s income, and in some cases may also consider potential income if a parent is not working to their full ability.
• Number of children: The more children there are, the higher the total support obligation will be.
• Parenting time: The amount of court-ordered time each parent has with the kids can change the calculation. If the noncustodial parent has between 10% and 45% of custodial time, they may qualify for an adjustment.
• Additional costs: The court considers other expenses such as health insurance, medical bills, day care and education needs.

Minnesota provides a child support calculator that can give parents a general idea of what payments may look like. However, the calculator is only a guide. Judges can adjust the amount if the guideline figure would be unfair or not in the child’s best interests.

An experienced family law attorney at Huson Law Firm, PLLC, can explain how these rules apply to your case and work to make sure the outcome is fair.

Understanding Child Support Modification Procedures

Child support orders are not set in stone. Minnesota law allows parents to request a modification, but certain legal requirements must be met.

Generally, a parent may ask the court to review or change an order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Normally, you must wait two years from the last order unless you can show such a change.

What counts as a substantial change in circumstances:

• Income changes: Job loss, a promotion, new employment, disability or retirement can all affect a parent’s ability to pay.
• Custody changes: If parenting time shifts in a way that changes the calculation, the support amount may need to be updated.
• Child’s needs: New medical expenses, increased educational costs or the development of special needs can justify a modification.
• Changes in child care costs: If day care or after-school expenses rise or end, the court may adjust support.
• Health issues: Serious illness or injury for either parent or the child can alter financial responsibilities.
• Remarriage or new dependents: If a parent remarries or has additional children to support, the court may consider it.
• Cost-of-living adjustments: Significant increases in housing, utilities or other necessary expenses can be a factor.

A child support modification can help make sure the order reflects your family’s current reality. An experienced family law attorney at Huson Law Firm, PLLC, can guide you through the process, present strong evidence and work to secure a fair adjustment.

Enforcement Of Child Support Orders

If a parent does not pay child support, Minnesota has strong powers to collect what is owed. The Department of Human Services (DHS) can step in and make sure support payments are enforced.

Common enforcement actions include:

• Taking money directly from paychecks
• Intercepting tax refunds, lottery winnings or other state payments
• Suspending driver’s or professional licenses
• Reporting missed payments to credit bureaus
• Placing liens on property
• Seizing money from bank accounts or other assets

Minnesota does not have a time limit on collecting unpaid child support. Even if many years have passed, the state can still collect overdue payments, and parents may owe support long after their child becomes an adult.

If you are owed child support, we can help you work with the state and ask the court for stronger action. If you are behind on payments, our attorneys can explain your options, help you request a change in the order if your situation has changed and protect you from harsh penalties.

The St. Paul family law attorneys at Huson Law Firm, PLLC, can guide you through the enforcement process and make sure your rights and your child’s needs are protected.

At What Age Does Child Support End In Minnesota?

Generally, child support ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending high school, support can continue until age 20. In limited circumstances, support may also extend if the child has special needs requiring ongoing care or assistance beyond the standard age limits.

Can Child Support Be Ordered Even If The Parents Were Never Married?

Yes. Minnesota law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, regardless of marital status. A court order can establish the obligation after paternity is confirmed. This means that once legal fatherhood is established, the court can calculate support using the same guidelines applied to married parents. The focus is always on making sure the child has consistent financial support, no matter the parents’ relationship history.

How Do I Establish Paternity For Child Support In Minnesota?

Paternity can be established through a Recognition of Parentage form signed by both parents or through genetic testing ordered by the court. Establishing paternity is necessary before child support can be ordered if the parents are not married.

Can Back Child Support Be Forgiven Or Reduced In Minnesota?

Back child support, also known as arrears, cannot typically be forgiven by the state. However, parents may reach limited agreements in certain cases. The court must approve any modification, and past-due amounts are usually still enforceable.

Can Parents Make Their Own Child Support Agreement Without Court Involvement?

Parents may reach an agreement, but it is not legally binding until a judge reviews and approves it. The court will only approve agreements that meet legal standards and protect the best interests of the child.

Call Our Twin Cities Office To Discuss Your Child Support Payments

Our goal mirrors the law – two active, prosperous and responsible parents. We want what’s best for the child. With years of experience, our attorneys at Huson Law Firm, PLLC, understand what’s most important when making these financial determinations. Call 651-968-0822 or contact us online to discuss your circumstances. We offer free initial consultations.