Changing child support payments

On Behalf of | Oct 18, 2013 | Child Support

Minnesota parents who are paying for child support in the form of tuition or other educational benefits may worry that their payment could increase. For example, if you are the non-custodial parent who pays for private school tuition, your other child support payments might be considerably lower than they would be otherwise. How can you ensure that your child support numbers will not increase because of an unfair court ruling? Qualified family attorneys can help provide advice, but it is wise to enter that conversation with a basic knowledge of the process.

In general, courts are amenable to the idea of lowering general support payments for parents who are funding a private school education. The only reason for raising child support payments would be an increase in that parent’s overall income; otherwise, the agreement will likely remain viable until the children reach the age of majority. College tuition and other payments may also be negotiated through child support agreements.

If, however, the kids transfer out of private schools to a less expensive option, the general child support payments may increase. However, tuition will not be a factor anymore, so you will not be expected to pay double.

Unlike other provisions of divorce settlements and binding agreements, child support terms are flexible based on the income of the parties involved. The financial circumstances of both the children and the other parents will be considered as changes arise. Unlike other agreements related to divorce, child support may be renegotiated at almost any time within the family court.

Before making any big decisions, those who pay or receive child support should consider seeking the legal advice of a qualified family attorney. In many states, including Minnesota, these laws can become confusing for the layperson; experts in the field are better prepared to advise you on the best course of action.

Source: 
www.dispatch.com, “Wholly matrimony: Child-support deals subject to change” Jeffrey A. Grossman & Andrew Grossman, Oct. 06, 2013