From a traditional exchange of child support to an expense sharing arrangement, mediation affords you the flexibility to customize financial support arrangements in order to best meet your children’s needs after the divorce.

Mediating parents have a number of options for providing financial support for their children’s needs after divorce. As a starting point, it is helpful to calculate guideline child support using the MN Child Support Calculator which as of January 1, 2007 uses an income shares model for determining child support obligations. For example if Parent A earns $1000 (gross) per month and Parent B earns $3000 (gross) per month there is a combined amount of $4000 (gross) per month available to support the children. Of this amount, Parent A earns 25% and Parent B earns 75% – these percentages are referred to as PICS percentages (Parental Income Available for Child Support). The PICS percentages are used to calculate each parent’s required contribution to basic child support, medical support and daycare support. It is important to understand how to use the online calculator correctly as inputting information in the wrong column or using the wrong amounts can yield incorrect calculations. MN child support guidelines are also based on the amount of time each parent spends “on-duty” or parenting the children. There are three levels of parenting time: less than 10%; 10 – 45%; and 45.1% or more (shared parenting). Even if the parents share parenting time, it is possible for child support to be owed if one parent earns more money than the other. My process includes a complete explanation of how to properly input the information and how to read the calculator’s result. While many parents choose to follow the State guidelines; some parents decide to deviate from guideline support based on a variety of reasons. Still others adopt a less traditional (and more flexible) plan for sharing all expenses relating to the children, such as a joint checking account or monthly accounting and reimbursement method. Mediation allows you to be creative about how best to provide financial support for your children’s needs after the divorce.

A MESSAGE FROM AMS, LLC - RE: COVID-19

The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Offering All Services Virtually

While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.

 

Limited In-Person Services

We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.

 

Office Hours

Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.

 

New Clients Welcome

We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!

 

Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant

Divorce Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services - Amber Serwat Mediation

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