In a recent update to Minnesota family law, significant changes have been made to child custody and support guidelines, effective as of February 20, 2026. These changes aim to prioritize the best interests of the child while also addressing concerns related to child support payments and parental responsibilities.One of the key updates to child custody laws in Minnesota is the introduction of a presumption of joint physical custody. This means that both parents will be presumed to have equal parenting time and responsibilities, unless it can be proven that this arrangement would not be in the best interests of the child. This shift towards shared parenting aims to ensure that children have meaningful relationships with both parents, while also considering factors such as the child's age, developmental needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing environment.Alongside changes to child custody laws, updates have also been made to child support guidelines in Minnesota. The calculation of child support payments will now take into account both parents' incomes, as well as the amount of parenting time each parent has. This shift towards a more equitable distribution of financial responsibilities aims to ensure that children are adequately supported by both parents, regardless of their custody arrangement.Furthermore, in cases where one parent fails to comply with child custody or support orders, the consequences have been strengthened. Non-compliance with court-ordered parenting time or support payments may now result in more severe penalties, such as fines, loss of parenting time, or even jail time in extreme cases.Overall, these updates to Minnesota family law aim to promote the well-being of children by encouraging cooperative co-parenting arrangements and ensuring that children receive the financial support they need. By prioritizing the best interests of the child and holding parents accountable for their responsibilities, these changes seek to create a more equitable and child-centered approach to family law in Minnesota.