When you receive a formal request (petition) for child support, it is important to respond promptly and appropriately. Remember: every child has a fundamental right to support from both of his or her parents. Courts take this parental responsibility seriously, and so it is important you do so as well.

The following is a general outline of the steps you should take after receiving a child support petition in Minnesota:

1. Read the petition thoroughly: The petition will contain a number of instructions. You will, for example, most likely need to appear in court on a specific date. Make plans to attend this hearing.
2. Prepare for the hearing: Collect evidence of your income and find any documents the court has requested from you. If you fail to attend the hearing, the court may take measures like wage garnishment to automatically collect child support from you.
3. Attend your hearing: At this hearing, the judge will determine the exact amount of child support you need to pay — a decision made by considering factors like your income, the other parent’s income, the amount of time the child will spend with each parent and a variety of other considerations.
4. Pay your allotted support: Make your payments in full and on time to avoid any difficulty with the court system. Compliance with your child support agreement will reflect well on you, and should you need to apply for a change to the agreement at some point, a history of compliance will benefit you.

To learn more about what to do after you receive a child support petition, meet with the trusted Willmar, Minnesota family law attorneys at Anderson Larson Saunders & Klaassen PLLP right away.