Cost-of-living increases will be implemented by the County when the County is providing services. Cost-of-living increases may also be completed for cases without County involvement. Procedures and forms may be obtained on the Legislative Commission on the Economic Status of Women website or through a private attorney.
Contesting an adjustment
If you receive a notice that your basic support obligation is going to change due to a cost of living adjustment, you can bring a motion to contest the adjustment.
Find forms and instructions
You can find out how to get a cost-of-living adjustment at:
Reaching an agreement without the courts
Sometimes parties reach an agreement about the cost-of-living adjustment. For example, parties can agree not to implement the cost of living adjustment for the year. Agreements can be made before or after a motion is served.
If child support services are provided by Dakota County, the county can prepare a written agreement at no cost to you. The written agreement is called a Stipulation and Order. If the parties, an assistant county attorney, and a judge or magistrate sign the Stipulation and Order, the document then becomes a court order. The court order will provide for no cost-of-living adjustment this year.
If a motion contesting the adjustment was served and a hearing scheduled, the Stipulation and Order can include a provision to cancel the hearing. If you, the other party, and the County agree that a cost-of-living adjustment should not be made this year, contact your child support worker. If you do not have the name of your worker, call the Dakota County Child Support Office at 651-554-5909. If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney should call your child support worker.