Minnesota Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Minnesota Child Support

Minnesota uses the Income Shares Model under Minnesota Statutes §518A. This model estimates the amount of support that would have been available to the child if the parents had remained together, then divides that obligation proportionally between both parents based on their respective incomes.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services - Child Support Division administers the guidelines. Minnesota is notable for its Parenting Time Expense Adjustment (PTEA), which provides credits based on the percentage of parenting time, and its broad-based gross income definition.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Minnesota

The Minnesota child support formula works as follows:

1. Determine each parent's gross monthly income from all sources using Minnesota's broad-based income definition
2. Combine both parents' incomes to get the total household income
3. Use the state schedule to find the basic support obligation based on combined income and number of children
4. Allocate each parent's share proportionally based on their percentage of the combined income
5. Add health insurance premiums and childcare costs to the base obligation
6. Apply adjustments for parenting time (PTEA), children from other relationships, low-income status, and the self-support reserve

Minnesota Support Schedule (Selected Income Levels)

Key Factors in Minnesota Calculations

Broad-Based Gross Income Definition

Minnesota uses a broad-based gross income definition that includes income from all sources:

• Wages, salaries, and commissions
• Bonuses and overtime pay
• Self-employment income
• Interest, dividends, and investment income
• Rental income
• Social Security benefits
• Pension and retirement income
• Workers' compensation and unemployment benefits

Parenting Time Expense Adjustment (PTEA)

Minnesota provides a Parenting Time Expense Adjustment that reduces the support obligation based on the percentage of parenting time the paying parent has. The more parenting time the paying parent has, the greater the reduction. This accounts for the direct expenses incurred during parenting time.

Children from Other Relationships

Minnesota considers the cost of children from other relationships when calculating child support. The court may reduce the support obligation to account for prior-born or subsequent-born children that the parent is legally obligated to support.

Low-Income Provisions

Low-income obligors may qualify for a reduced obligation under Minnesota guidelines. This ensures that low-income parents retain enough income to meet their own basic needs while still contributing to their children's support.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Self-support reserve: $1,120 per month (2024). The paying parent must retain at least this amount for their own basic living expenses.

Minimum support: Minnesota does not set a fixed statutory minimum, but the court will ensure the support amount is appropriate given the financial circumstances of both parents.

Income table: The Minnesota support schedule covers combined incomes up to $10,000 per month. For incomes above this level, the court has discretion to determine an appropriate support amount.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Minnesota allows modification of child support orders when:

• There has been a substantial change in circumstances
• A significant change in either parent's income
• Changes in custody or parenting time arrangements
• Changes in the child's needs (medical, educational, etc.)
• The child reaches the age of majority or graduates from high school

Enforcement

The Minnesota Department of Human Services - Child Support Division enforces child support through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts
• Passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500

Get your Minnesota estimate: Use our free child support calculator or the Minnesota child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Minnesota guidelines.