Whether you count on child support payments from your ex or you have to make payments, make sure you understand your rights. From pursuing enforcement due to the other parent’s failure to pay to paying arrears as a result of falling behind, the way you approach child support challenges you are facing will likely have a significant impact on your life.
It is also helpful to understand how common child support modification is, especially if you worry about your ability to stay current due to financial hardships.
Data on child support
A report published on the Minnesota Legislature’s site highlights key data regarding child support services offered during fiscal year 2018. Over the course of this period, the state provided services to more than 340,000 parents across Minnesota. Agencies across the state modified over 8,000 child support orders and the state collected $578 million from parents. The state collected child support payments through intercepted tax refunds, paycheck withholding, financial account levies and other sources.
Other services child support agencies provide
In addition to collecting child support payments and modifying orders, child support agencies in Minnesota counties provide other services, such as enforcing an order (including orders involving a parent who lives outside of the state), establishing paternity and locating a parent. Moreover, these agencies also arrange court orders that relate to a child’s needs (such as child care expenses and medical care costs). It is important for custodial and non-custodial parents to go over the services that these agencies provide and strive to safeguard the well-being of their children and their own interests.