Child Support Topics of Interest
What is the role of the Child Support Services Division?
Ramsey County Child Support partners with our community to reduce racial disparities in the child support program and improve economic stability for the children and families we serve. We do not provide legal representation for parents.
- Establishing legal parentage, including genetic testing when needed.
- Establishing court orders to pay child support, including basic support, child care support, and health care coverage.
- Collecting child support payments and providing accounting of child support obligations.
- Monitoring payments and taking appropriate steps to enforce court order.
- Modifying child support when things change.
- Completing stipulations when parties both agree to the terms of their child support order.
Who is eligible for child support services?
You can apply for services if you are one of the following:
- You are the parent or caretaker of minor children (under 18), and one parent does not live with the child
- You are the father or alleged to be the father of a minor child
- You are a parent or caretaker who should receive child support
- You are a parent or caretaker who is required by court order to pay child support
If you receive one of the services listed below, the financial worker will begin the child support process for you. You may also choose to sign up for child support services on your own.
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP).
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Medical Assistance (MA).
- Childcare assistance.
How do I sign up for services?
Either parent or the child's caretaker can sign up for child support services in the county where they live, or the county where the child lives. Please click the link to find out more about signing up for child support services.
How do I make a payment?
You can make a payment through any of the following options:
- Visit MN Child Support Online
- Mail payment to: Child Support Payment Center, PO Box 64326, Saint Paul, MN 55164
- PayNearMe
- MoneyGram
- Pay in person at one of these locations:
- Ramsey County’s Downtown Service Center: 121 7th Place E, Saint Paul, MN 55101 | Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Ramsey County’s Maplewood Mall Service Center: 3001 White Bear Ave N, Suite 1022A, Maplewood, MN 55109 | Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Elmer L Andersen Human Services Building: 540 Cedar St., Saint Paul, MN 55101 | Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do I change my child support order?
- You can file a motion to change child support as a self-represented litigant or with the help of an attorney.
- Contact your child support worker to request a county review of your case for modification, or visit child support ezDocs. The county may ask the court to change parts of your child support order if it doesn't fit your current situation.
How can I reduce the amount of past-due child support I owe?
If you owe past-due child support, contract your child support specialist to see if the following are options for your case:
- Forgiveness of past-due child support
- Forgiveness of interest that has been charged
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is child support calculated?
Estimate child support with the State of Minnesota’s online calculator. For an accurate estimate, you will need current information about the other parent or caretaker.
How do I calculate overnights based on a parenting time order?
How can I reach my worker?
- Contact Customer Service at 651-266-3344
- Login to the online MN Child Support Website
Where do I find information about custody, visitation, or parental rights?
- MNCourts.gov
- MN Self Help Center
- Ramsey County Family Court Legal Clinic
- Recognition of Parentage
- MN Adoption Registry
When does child support end?
- Child Support payments usually continue until the child turns 18 (the age of emancipation in Minnesota), unless otherwise ordered by the court. Support may continue until the child reaches the age of 20, if still in high school or disabled.
- If you applied for child support and wish to close your case, please contact your child support worker for more information.
How do I dispute credit bureau reporting?
If you are currently paying and need a letter for a lender please contact your worker, or customer service at 651-266-3344.
You can also contact the following credit bureau agencies directly either by phone, or through their online forms:
- Trans Union Corp
- Equifax
- Experian
- Innovis Data Solutions
May I see everything in my child support file?
Child Support files contain information about both parents. You may obtain information about yourself, but not the other parent.