The parents of a minor child have an obligation to provide financial support to that child.  Courts in Minnesota must include (in any decree of dissolution, legal separation or anulment) an order properly setting forth child support (see Minnesota Statutes section 518A.38, subdivision 1).

Basic support includes the basic obligations as defined under Minnesota Statutes section 518.A.34.  These obligations include the dollar amount ordered for a child's food, housing, clothing, education costs, transportation costs and other expenses related to the child's care.  Basic support does not include daycare and medical expenses for a child.  A parent's child care and medical support obligations are calculated separately. 

Basic support is calculated as set forth under Minnesota Statute section 518.34.    

Other expenses such as activity fees, private school tuition and post-secondary education are addressed through negotiation (and sometimes through litigation).  These areas can cause conflict between parents, especially as a child enters adolescence and becomes more involved in extracurricular activities such as sports and music.                     

Issues and conflict often arise when determing gross income, especially in cases involving parents who are self-employed or who receive commissions or bonuses from their employer.  The current state of the economy has also impacted the ability of many parents to pay child support as ordered by a court.  In some cases, courts may reduce child support obligations through the modification of an existiing child support order.

Child Support issues needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Please call to speak with a lawyer regarding your specific legal situation.  
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Attorney & Mediator Randall A. Smith is the founder of Lake Harriet Law Office & Mediation Services, LLC.  Mr. Smith earned his B.A. Degree from Hamline University, his J.D. Degree from Drake University Law School and his M.B.A. Degree from the University of St. Thomas. 

Mr. Smith has practiced law since 1996 and is licensed in all Minnesota Courts and in United States Tax Court.  He is a Minnesota Rule 114 Neutral Mediator for Family & Civil cases and he performs Social and Financial Early Neutral Evaluations (ENE) in divorce cases.

Randall has previously worked at law firms in Minneapolis and in St. Paul.