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Terzich & Ort, LLP
Photo of Jodi Marie Terzich and Shannon Leigh Ort
Super Lawyers
Divorce in Minnesota

Divorce In Minnesota

Divorce in Minnesota

Divorce In Minnesota

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal Maintenance

Property Division

Property Division

Property Division

Property Division

Paternity Cases

Paternity Cases

Paternity Cases

Paternity Cases

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

Child support was created with the goal in mind of children receiving the financial support they need to be successful, happy and healthy. Child support cases are common among parents that receive public assistance or for parents who are not married or living together.

Since many parents these days fall under one of these categories, child support is a commonly discussed topic. Calculating child support begins by getting a rough estimate of what a child needs falling under three different categories. Basic support covers costs of living such as rent, food etc. Medical support aims to cover any medical costs the child has. For some children, these costs can be higher than others especially if they are disabled or have a chronic illness. Child care support covers costs associated with daycare while parents are at work.

Obviously, these numbers could vary greatly from child to child based on their specific needs. Best interests of the child are always held in consideration when determining decisions involving a child in a custody dispute including child support claims. Income of both parents is figured into cost of living in order to determine need of the child as well. Child support is not to be confused with alimony which is a separate issue determined based on income disparity between spouses during a divorce.

Since every child has the right to be financially supported by both parents; seeking child support is a no-brainer. What is great about child support is that it is legally ordered by the court and it enforces the amount and frequency of the often planned monthly payments. This can decrease the possibility of not receiving child support from a non-custodial parent. Child support can greatly increase a child’s prosperity in life by financially supporting the child in a way that makes their future more secure.

Source: mncourts.gov, “Child Support,” Accessed Oct. 8, 2015