When issuing orders related to child support, courts aim to ensure children have the financial support they need until they reach adulthood. However, there are many instances in which the amount of support awarded is not sufficient to provide for the children in question. If you are the recipient of child support and this is the case for you, there may be some legal options available to you.
One of the most common reasons parents look to secure more child support is because raising kids can get expensive — especially as time goes on. If your kids are involved in multiple extracurricular activities or need regular medical care, for example, you could end up covering much greater costs than you anticipated when negotiating your original child support agreement.
Understanding the process
In Minnesota, child support is calculated based on a standardized formula. There are many different factors that can go into the amount the payer should provide the recipient, including how much parenting time each party has, how many children are involved, and how much money each parent makes. Other factors include the cost of medical and dental insurance and monthly childcare expenses.
If you find that the child support you’re getting is not enough to cover these expenses, you can seek a modification of your original agreement. To do so, you would motion the court, working with a family law attorney. You will then have the opportunity to argue your case for why a greater amount of child support is needed.
To learn more about your options when it comes to child support and related issue, meet with a skilled Minnesota divorce and family law attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
