Understand and Enforce Child Support Obligations

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC handles establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support for clients in St Cloud and Apple Valley and across Minnesota.

Child support determines how much one parent pays to help cover the costs of raising a child, and the calculation depends on income, parenting time, and Minnesota guidelines. Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents clients in St Cloud and Apple Valley and throughout Minnesota in child support matters, including initial establishment, modifications when circumstances change, and enforcement when payments are not made. The firm's attorneys represent both payors and recipients, addressing income disputes, financial documentation issues, and disagreements over the application of the guidelines.

The firm provides statewide representation from initial filings through court hearings, with clear explanations of your obligations and the long-term financial impacts of support orders. Whether you need to establish support for the first time, seek a modification due to job loss or increased income, or enforce an existing order that is not being followed, the attorneys guide you through the legal process and advocate for an outcome that reflects your current financial situation and your child's needs.

If you have questions about child support in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, contact Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC to discuss your case and your options.

How Minnesota Calculates Child Support

Minnesota uses a statutory formula to calculate child support based on the combined income of both parents, the number of children, and the percentage of parenting time each parent has. In St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, your attorney will gather income documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and business records, and apply the guidelines to determine the presumptive support amount. The court may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances, such as when a child has special needs or when one parent has significant financial resources.

After the court issues a child support order, you will have a monthly payment amount and a schedule for when payments are due. That order specifies who pays, how much, and how payments are made, often through income withholding. You will know what your financial obligation is, when it ends, and what happens if circumstances change. The order remains in effect until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, unless the court modifies it sooner.

The firm handles cases involving self-employment income, bonus and commission disputes, imputed income when a parent is voluntarily unemployed, and retroactive support claims. The attorneys also address issues such as unreimbursed medical expenses, childcare costs, and allocation of tax dependency exemptions. If a support order is not being followed, the firm can pursue enforcement through income withholding, contempt proceedings, or judgment liens depending on the situation.

Clients often need to understand how child support is calculated, when it can be changed, and what options are available if payments are not being made or received.

You likely have questions about your obligations

Minnesota uses a formula based on both parents' combined gross income, the number of children, and the percentage of parenting time each parent has. The court applies statutory guidelines to determine the presumptive support amount, which can be adjusted based on factors such as childcare costs, medical expenses, or significant financial disparities.
What does Minnesota law use to calculate child support?
You can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, a change in parenting time, or a change in the child's needs. The court will review your financial information and decide whether the current order should be adjusted to reflect the new circumstances.
When can I request a modification to child support?
The attorney can file a motion to enforce the order, request income withholding, or pursue contempt proceedings if the payor is willfully not paying. The court has authority to impose penalties, suspend licenses, and place liens on property to collect unpaid support, and the state may also take enforcement action through its child support agency.
What happens if the other parent does not pay child support?
Self-employment income is calculated using tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business records, and the court may impute additional income if expenses appear excessive or personal. The attorney will review your financial documentation and argue for an accurate representation of your income to ensure the support calculation is fair and consistent with the guidelines.
How is income determined for self-employed parents?
The firm understands that both parents have legitimate interests in child support matters, whether you are seeking support to cover your child's expenses or defending against an inaccurate or excessive calculation. The attorneys apply the same legal standards and thorough preparation regardless of which side of the case you are on.
Why does the firm represent both payors and recipients?

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents clients in St Cloud and Apple Valley and throughout Minnesota in child support matters that require accurate financial analysis and courtroom advocacy. Learn more by contacting the firm to discuss your case.