Modifying Minnesota Child Custody or Child Support

On occasion, modifications to child custody or child support orders are necessary based upon a change in the circumstances of the parents or children. With a substantial change in circumstances, modifications may be made to the existing order with regard to custody, parenting time, child support and other parenting terms. These modifications can be mutually agreed upon or contested strongly by either party.

Forward-looking, experienced counsel is needed to protect your interests and guide you through this difficult process. Eagan, Minnesota attorneys DeAnne Dulas and Erika Booth from the law offices of Strandemo, Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. focus their practices on family law and have a wealth of experience handling post-divorce modifications to child custody, parenting time and child support agreements cooperatively and through litigation.

Trust your child support modifications to an Eagan, MN attorney

Modifying a child support order requires a skilled family law attorney.  An inexperienced attorney may unknowingly negotiate undesired changes that have long-lasting repercussions.  Modifications of child support may be initiated for the emancipation of a minor or for substantial changes in:

Modifications of child custody are complex

As with child support modifications, poorly structured or hasty custody modifications can have long-lasting negative effects.  The law firm of Strandemo, Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. has experience in child modification cases.  In general terms, motions for child custody modifications may be brought before the court if there is:

• A written agreement by the parties;
• Persistent and willful denial or interference with visitation/parenting time;
• Integration of the child into the home of the non-custodial parent; or
• Endangerment to the child in its present environment, with the benefits of the change of custody outweighing possible harm caused by the modification.

Under Minnesota law, one year must pass after the divorce date before any child custody modifications can be brought to the court, except in cases of agreement, parental interference or endangerment of the child. Once a modification of custody motion is heard, two years must elapse prior to the court entertaining another motion, except in cases of agreement, parental interference or endangerment of the child.

Changing custody is often more difficult than getting custody in the first place as the laws are designed to favor leaving things as they are. Successfully modifying custody through a cooperative process or court proceeding is very complex, requiring an in-depth knowledge of the law to ensure the legal standards are met and the case is not thrown out by the court.

While it is impossible to know exactly how every case will end, before you begin you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your own case. Even harder than bringing a motion for change of custody in the first place is knowing, after the fact, that you had little chance to win or worse yet, that you made a simple mistake that will prevent you from trying again for up to two years.

At Strandemo, Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. we will provide you with honest advice about the strengths and weaknesses of your case so you can make a solid decision about whether or when to act. We will describe the process to you and assist you to the best of our abilities in meeting your goals once you have made the decision to move forward.

Courtesy.  Commitment.  Results.

Contact the law offices of Strandemo, Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. online or call 651-686-8800 for knowledgeable help with Minnesota child custody and child support modifications.  From our offices in Eagan, we serve clients in the Twin Cities area and throughout the entire state of Minnesota, including Dakota, Washington, Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Ramsey, Goodhue and Anoka counties.