Minnesota Child Support Guidelines

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq. | Last reviewed May 06, 2025

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Minnesota has a strict and relatively complex child support program. Family law judges rely on state guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of child support. While parents can negotiate their child support agreements, these agreements can't stray too far from the state guidelines.

Under Minnesota law, every child has the right to financial and emotional support from both parents. If a child's parents divorce or separate (or never married in the first place), the non-custodial parent usually makes monthly child support payments to the parent primarily responsible for the child’s care.

How to File for Child Support in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is an excellent resource for information on Minnesota’s child support services. Any parent with primary physical custody of a child is eligible for court-ordered child support.

Minnesota’s DHS can assist with the following:

 

  • Locating the other parent and establishing paternity/parentage
  • Obtaining and enforcing court orders for child support and health insurance
  • Collecting child support payments
  • Reviewing and adjusting the court-ordered support amount

 

There are multiple ways to apply for child support services. It all depends on your situation.

How Do Minnesota Courts Calculate Child Support?

Minnesota has a guideline for determining basic child support payments. The guidelines first consider both parents' gross income from all sources, including self-employment income. A parent’s monthly income doesn’t include alimony or spousal maintenance nor support the parties receive or pay for non-joint children.

The court then calculates each parent’s percentage of their combined income and enters it into the child support worksheet. The court considers the parties’ number of joint children and parenting time.

Minnesota DHS provides an online child support guideline calculator you can use to estimate the basic support you may receive or pay.

Factors That Impact Child Support in Minnesota

While the child support guidelines dictate how much a parent must pay, other factors impact a parent’s basic child support obligation.

Some of these factors include:

  • Whether the payor is paying for the child’s healthcare

  • Whether either parent has potential income not listed on the child support worksheet

  • Childcare costs

  • Whether either parent receives state childcare assistance

  • Whether either parent receives public assistance

  • The cost of health insurance

  • Daycare expenses

  • Whether the child(ren) needs special medical assistance

  • The number of overnights each parent has with the kids

  • Whether either party receives social security benefits

Child Support Statutes in Minnesota

The sections below highlights Minnesota's child support guidelines.

Code Section

Who Is Responsible?

Both parents must financially support children.

How Is Support Calculated?

Calculation of Gross Income: MN Statutes Ch. 518A.29

Factors To Determine Child Support

The courts determine child support obligations using the following:

  • Income of both parents

  • The number of children

  • The costs of raising a child at different income levels

  • The availability and cost of medical support

What Does a Support Order Include?

A child support court order includes coverage for the following:

  • Childcare expenses

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Unreimbursed medical expenses

  • Educational expenses

  • Travel expenses

How Long Must a Parent Pay Child Support?

The non-custodial parent must pay child support until their minor children turn 18 or 20 if the child still attends high school. (A parent must pay support indefinitely if the child cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition).

Local Child Support Offices

Minnesota Child Support County Agencies

Minnesota Child Support Formula

Minnesota Child Support Calculator

Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a child support lawyer or family law attorney to verify your state law.

Get Professional Legal Help with Your Minnesota Child Support Case

Minnesota's child support laws can seem convoluted, especially if you are not familiar with legal proceedings. A skilled child support attorney can make the difference in setting the right amount of child support.

Don't leave it up to chance - contact a Minnesota family law attorney today.

Minnesota Child Support Guidelines: Related Resources

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