It is not uncommon for parents responsible for paying child support to try to downplay their income. This typically happens in one of the following ways:
When any of these scenarios apply, Minnesota courts must consider the parent’s “potential income.” This is the amount the parent could or should have earned had he or she made a reasonable effort to secure gainful full-time employment.
How to determine one’s potential income
There are several different ways courts in Minnesota can determine “potential” income:
It’s important to note that these scenarios are for voluntary unemployment or underemployment. A parent who gets laid off, for example, is not considered at fault for his or her sudden unemployment and could seek a temporary adjustment to child support payments.
For further guidance on how to hold a parent responsible for missed child support payments, speak with an experienced Minnesota child support attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.