Child Support

Every child needs financial and emotional support and every child has the right to support from both parents. Minnesota’s Child Support program benefits children by enforcing parental responsibility for their support.

 

Either parent of a child may apply for or get certain support services from the Child Support Unit. Depending on the circumstances associated with the case, there may be fees assessed for collection unless the applicant receives public assistance (Minnesota Family Investment Program, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or Child Care Assistance). For families that do not receive public assistance there is a 2% fee for payments processed.

 

Services Available:

  • Locating parents
  • Establishing parentage
  • Establishing and enforcing court orders for basic support
  • Providing medical support, dental support, and child care support
  • Adjust court orders based on the cost-of-living index
  • Working with other states to enforce support when one parents does not live in Minnesota
  • Collecting and processing payments
  • Enforcement remedies
  • Closing cases

 

Services NOT Available:

You may wish to consult an attorney for assistance as we CANNOT help with:

  • Legal separation and divorce
  • Custody and parenting time
  • We cannot answer questions about custody and parenting time
  • Spousal maintenance (alimony) establishment
  • Collection of unpaid bills, property settlements, or other debts not related to support obligations
  • Legal advice or counsel

 

Child support agencies and County Attorneys do not represent either parent in child support actions. Rather, they represent the best interests of the child according to the requirements of child support statutes and guidelines. In Minnesota, parents can also use an expedited process to resolve child support matters where they can represent themselves.

 

To apply for services, call Yellow Medicine County Family Services at 320-564-2211 or submit an application to the following address:

 

Yellow Medicine County Family Services

Office of Child Support

415 9th Ave, Suite 202

Granite Falls, MN 56241

 

 

Useful Links:

Minnesota Child Support Online

Minnesota Child Support Calculator

Central Minnesota Legal Services

Minnesota Judicial Branch's Self Help Center
Changing Your Child Support Order Frequently Asked Questions

Changing Your Child Support Order Guide