Divorces can be complicated and lengthy even under the best of circumstances, and the situation can be made more complex when children are involved. Instead of two parties going their separate ways after a legal matter is concluded, courts handling family law in Mankato, MN must determine how connected spouses must remain while the children grow. While parents often share the cost of raising children after divorce, in many cases, the responsibility is primarily that of the custodial parent. Below are a few things to know about child support when facing divorce.
It’s Expensive to Raise a Child
Most people are well aware that children can significantly add to household bills, but raising one child in the U.S. can cost up to $372,210 from birth through age 17. This total fails to consider the cost of college tuition, pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption. If a parent ends up with sole custody, the other parent must pay a certain amount of support, but it’s up to the court to determine a fair amount.
Women Must Pay Support as Well
Earlier in history, men had an easier time finding jobs and were regarded as the financial supporters of the family. Nowadays, the sexes are treated equally in this regard. Both parents often work, and both incomes contribute to the financial stability of the family. If the father receives physical custody, the mother must pay support to offset some of the child’s expenses. If the family court judge rules in favor of the mother, it doesn’t mean she gets a free ride as far as expenses are concerned. The courts often assume that the custodial parent is already contributing his or her fair share by shouldering most of the daily costs of raising the children. As of the time of this writing, roughly 15% of parents paying child support are women.
It’s Possible to Modify a Child Support Order
If the judge rules that either parent must make a monthly support payment, the amount won’t necessarily remain the same until the children turn 18. If a parent’s circumstances change, they can hire a lawyer and petition the court for a modification.
If a parent has questions about the child support process or they’d like to initiate divorce proceedings, they can contact one of the attorneys at the firm. Simply call or visit Blatzlawminnesota.com to schedule a free consultation.
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