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Written Findings

Quick Facts

The court must make written findings in every case.
Content of findings differ depending on whether there is a deviation.

If No Deviation

If the court does not deviate from the presumptive child support obligation, the court must make written findings that state:

each parent's gross income;
each parent's PICS; and
any other significant evidentiary factors.

If Deviation

If the court deviates from the presumptive child support obligation, then the court must make written findings that state:

each parent's gross income;
each parent's PICS;
the amount of the child support obligation;
the reasons for the deviation; and
how the deviation serves the best interests of the child.

Written Findings Required in Every Case

Whether or not the parents are each represented by independent counsel and have entered into a written agreement, written findings must be made by the court. The court must review stipulations presented to it for conformity with Minnesota law. The court is not required to conduct a hearing, but the parents must provide sufficient documentation to verify the child support determination and to justify any deviation.