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1. How long does it take to get a child support order?

If there is no court order in place at the time of application for services, it could take several months or more to establish an order. Many factors affect the length of time it takes to establish an order including, but not limited to: is paternity an issue, does one party reside in a different state/country, do we have financial information, can we locate the other parent, etc.

2. Can I file court actions without hiring an attorney?

Yes, you can represent yourself by using forms created by the courts to file motions for many different types of actions. Some actions, like custody or parenting time, must be heard in the District Court. Most child support issues are heard in the Expedited Process.
Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Forms

3. How do I get help completing Pro Se forms for the court?

Clay County contracts with the Father’s Resource Program through Mahube-Otwa Community Action Partnership to assist clients with completing Pro Se forms for various court actions such as modifying their child support order, establishing custody, or establishing parenting time. Call 218-632-3600 or 218-530-1474 or email lnesland@mahube.org for more information. 

Father's Resource Program (PDF)

4. How do I get my PIN to look up child support payments and access Child Support Online?

Call your child support worker to have your PIN mailed to you if you don’t have it. The local child support office does not provide payment information or printouts as it is available by phone at 1-800-657-3512 or online at

Child Support Online

5. What are my options to receive my child support payments?

Generally the state child support office does not mail out checks (unless it is a refund to the payor of child support). There are two options for parents to choose from to receive their child support payments. They are:

• a ReliaCard which is a debit card offered by U.S. Bank. This card can only be used for child support.


• direct deposit into a checking or savings account.

6. How do I get a copy of my court order?

You will need to contact the Court Administrator’s Office in the county where your order was entered. The child support office does not provide copies of court orders.
Minnesota Courts