If you receive a formal petition for child support, you must respond in an appropriate manner. In Minnesota, state law considers child support a fundamental right of all children, which means you are legally obligated to support your kids.
When you get the petition, read the instructions in the letter and comply accordingly. In most cases, the petition will include information on a child support hearing you will need to attend on a certain day and time. At the hearing, the judge determines how much child support you will pay depending on factors like your income, the other parent’s income, how much time the child spends with each parent, medical expenses, special needs and any other circumstances that affect the cost of raising the child.
Ultimately, the court will decide how much child support you owe based on what is in the best interests of the children in question.
What happens at the child support hearing?
You must appear at the child support hearing, bringing along any documents the court has requested. This could include evidence of your income, account statements and anything else that helps provide your financial profile.
If you do not show up to the hearing or fail to pay child support as the court orders, you could end up facing legal penalties. These could include wage garnishments, a driver’s license suspension, fines and even jail time.
If you receive any sort of legal document requesting you to appear in court, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney who can represent you throughout the process. To learn more about this important issue, meet with a skilled Minnesota child support attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
