Define: Expedited Process

Federal law requires the State of Minnesota (along with all other States) to have an expedited child support process for hearing certain types of child support cases.  The expedited process has more user-friendly rules and requirements (similar to conciliation Court) that enables more individuals to obtain child support relief on their own (pro se).  Only "IV-D" cases can be heard in the expedited process.  A IV-D case includes child support matters where either party receives or formerly received public assistance (medical assistance, Minnesota Care, daycare assistance, etc.), or where a party has applied for child support enforcement services through the County.

If you have an existing child support order and are needing it either increased or decreased, you will likely need to schedule a motion with the Court to accomplish this. You will need to know whether this court motion will be scheduled in district court or the child support expedited process. Guidance from an attorney could help if this is not clear.

Purpose and Goals of the Expedited Process

The purpose of the child support expedited process is to establish a process that:

  • is streamlined

  • is uniform across the state

  • is easily accessible to the parties

  • results in timely and consistent issuance of orders.

The goals of the child support expedited process are for it to be construed to:

  • be a constitutional system

  • be an expedited process

  • be family and user friendly

  • be fair to the parties

  • be a cost-effective system

  • address local administration and implementation concerns

  • maintain simple administrative procedures and focus on problem case

  • comply with federal and state laws

  • maximize federal financial participation

  • ensure consistent decisions statewide

  • have adequate financial and personnel resources

Contact an Attorney if you Have Questions

If you are facing a child support matter in the Minnesota Child Support Expedited Process, and you either have a question about the process or you would like legal representation for the child support matter, contact a child support attorney at Blahnik, Prchal & Stoll, PLLC.