Minnesota Child Support Calculator

Minnesota uses the income shares model. Minnesota uses the Income Shares Model under Minn. Stat. § 518A.35. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are calculated, adjusted for taxes and other deductions to determine Parental Income for Determining Child Support (PICS). The combined PICS is used to determine the basic support obligation from a guidelines table. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined PICS. Awards include three components: basic support, medical support (health insurance and medical expenses), and child care support. A Parenting Expense Adjustment modifies the obligation based on court-ordered parenting time.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Minnesota generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Minnesota can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Minnesota has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.