Minnesota Child Support Calculator

Minnesota uses the income shares model under § 518A.35, combining both parents' gross monthly incomes into a Parental Income for Child Support (PICS) figure. The court applies the guideline table to determine a total basic support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined income. The formula also includes separate calculations for medical support and child care support.

Minnesota uses each parent's gross monthly income before deductions for taxes, Social Security, pensions, or health insurance under § 518A.29. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and investment returns. Courts deduct any existing court-ordered child support or spousal maintenance paid for non-joint children before calculating PICS.

Parenting time significantly impacts Minnesota child support. Under § 518A.36, a parent with more than 55% of court-ordered parenting time has a rebuttable presumption of zero basic support obligation. When parents split time equally but have unequal incomes, the combined basic support is multiplied by 0.75, and the lower-earning parent receives the net difference from the higher earner.

Minnesota allows child support modification when circumstances have substantially changed under § 518A.39. A modification is presumed if the current guideline calculation differs from the existing order by at least 20% and $75 per month. Either parent can file a motion with the court, and the cost-of-living adjustment process is automatic every two years unless a parent opts out.

Minnesota child support covers three components: basic support (housing, food, clothing, transportation, and education), medical support (health and dental insurance premiums plus uncovered medical and dental costs), and child care support (daycare expenses when a parent works or attends school). Extraordinary expenses like a child's disability needs may justify a deviation above the guideline amount under § 518A.43.

Minnesota caps the guideline table at $20,000 per month in combined parental income under § 518A.35, Subd. 3 — parents earning above this threshold pay the same basic support as those at the cap. Courts may exceed this cap only for a child with a disability or demonstrated special need. On the low end, the self-support reserve under § 518A.42 ensures obligors retain at least 120% of the federal poverty guideline for one person.

Minnesota child support generally continues until the child turns 18 under § 518A.26. If the child is still attending high school full-time, support extends to age 20. Support may also continue indefinitely if the child has a disability that prevents self-sufficiency. Emancipation events such as marriage or military enlistment can terminate the obligation earlier.

Minnesota enforces unpaid child support aggressively. Under § 518A.72, a parent owing arrears equal to three or more months of total support can face contempt proceedings, including up to 32 hours per week of community service or jail time. The state can also suspend driver's licenses (§ 518A.65), occupational licenses, and recreational licenses, intercept state and federal tax refunds, seize bank accounts, and report arrears to credit bureaus.