Minnesota Child Support Calculator

How Child Support is Calculated in Minnesota

Minnesota calculates child support by combining your and the other parent's gross incomes to determine a total support obligation, as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 518A.34. Your share of this obligation is then determined by your percentage of the combined income, with adjustments for parenting time and costs like health care.

Understanding Parenting Time & Custody Adjustments

In Minnesota, parenting time significantly impacts the child support calculation through a parenting expense adjustment. Under Minn. Stat. § 518A.36, this adjustment applies when a parent has the child for at least 10% of the overnights in a year, which is defined as 37 or more overnights. The formula provides a 12% reduction in the basic support obligation for parenting time between 10% and 45%, with a different calculation used for parenting time over 45%.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Minnesota Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Minn. Stat. § 518A.34
Shared Custody Threshold 37 Overnights (10% Time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 20 if still in High School)
Modification Standard 20% and $75/mo Change in Support Amount

Minnesota Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in MN?

Child support in Minnesota ends when a child turns 18 years old, or up to age 20 if the child is still attending high school full-time. This is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 518A.26, subdivision 5, which defines a 'child' for support purposes and outlines the conditions for extending support past the age of majority.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in MN?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, Minnesota courts will impute 'potential income' to them based on their work history, qualifications, and local job opportunities. This practice, detailed in Minnesota Statutes § 518A.32, ensures that support obligations are based on a parent's earning capacity rather than their actual, potentially reduced, income.

How do I modify a child support order in MN?

You can modify a Minnesota child support order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, which is presumed if a new calculation shows a change of at least 20% and $75 per month. The legal standards for modification are established in Minnesota Statutes § 518A.39, which requires the change to make the current order unreasonable and unfair.

Does MN child support cover college expenses?

No, Minnesota courts cannot order a parent to pay for post-secondary (college) educational expenses after a child has graduated high school and reached the age of majority. While courts lack the authority to mandate college support, parents can mutually agree to include such provisions in their divorce decree or support order, making it a binding contractual obligation.

How does MN handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs are treated as separate support obligations and are divided between the parents in proportion to their share of the combined parental income (PICS). Minnesota Statutes § 518A.40 and § 518A.41 detail how medical support and childcare support are calculated and added to the basic support obligation, ensuring these necessary expenses are shared equitably.