I am sometimes asked about how the issue of college tuition plays into divorce proceedings in Minnesota. The short answer is that it doesn't. I am aware of some state in which a court can require a parent to pay for their children's college tuition as part of a divorce judgment and decree. In Minnesota, [...]
One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from people is "how is the amount of child support determined in Minnesota?" A few years back, the Minnesota legislature created a set of rules that have been incorporated into what is known as the "Minnesota Child Support Calculator." You can see the MN calculator [...]
The Minnesota Child Support laws underwent a significant change in 2007. The impact of this change is significant. Under the old law, the parent who had physical custody of the children received child support. Whether that parent (the physical custodian) worked or did not work had nothing to do with the calculation. Today things are [...]
People who are getting divorced in Minnesota often ask me about daycare expenses. Usually, they want to know if their ex-spouse will have to contribute to their daycare or child care costs. The answer to the question is "Yes," provided that the child care expenses are work-related or education-related. The Minnesota child support statute requires [...]
Here's the deal: Maternity is a matter of fact. Paternity is a matter of opinion. Until the genetic DNA test results have been returned. And, until a district court judge has signed a court order. If you are a father and you are not married to your child's mother, you have no parental rights unless [...]
Sometimes people ask whether, as part of their divorce decree, the court can impose a requirement that their soon-to-be ex-spouse pay for college tuition for the children. The answer is "No." In Minnesota, a divorce court has jurisdiction over minor children only until they become adults. In most cases, a child becomes an adult when [...]
People frequently ask me how the Minnesota child support laws work. There is a new Minnesota child support law, because the old law was modified significantly in 2007. Now, child support is calculated using the gross incomes of both parents. But, that's not the most significant change. The most significant change is that the amount of child [...]
