How is child support calculated in Minnesota?

Minnesota child support is governed by Minn. Stat. Chapter 518A, particularly § 518A.34 (the basic support calculation), which adopted the Income Shares model effective January 1, 2007.

1. The Three Components of Support

Minnesota separates child support into three distinct categories:

Basic Support (§ 518A.34) — for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, education

Medical Support (§ 518A.41) — health/dental insurance and unreimbursed medical

Childcare Support (§ 518A.40) — work-related childcare costs

2. Basic Support Calculation

Determine each parent's Parental Income for Child Support (PICS) = gross income minus pre-existing child support, alimony paid, and the cost of providing health/dental insurance for the joint child.

Combine PICS to get Combined PICS.

Look up the Basic Support Obligation on the Guideline Schedule in § 518A.35.

Each parent's Pro Rata Obligation = combined obligation × percentage of combined PICS.

Apply Parenting Expense Adjustment.

3. Parenting Expense Adjustment (§ 518A.36)

Based on the noncustodial parent's percentage of court-ordered parenting time with the joint child:

Less than 10% of overnights: no adjustment

10% to 45% of overnights: 12% reduction (a flat reduction)

45.1% to 50% of overnights: equal parenting; calculation uses the offset method (each parent owes the other; subtract for net amount)

4. Income Cap

The Guideline Schedule covers combined PICS up to $15,000/month. Above that, the court may order additional support as appropriate.

5. Self-Support Reserve & Minimum (§ 518A.42)

Self-support reserve: 120% of federal poverty for one person.

Minimum order: $50/month for 1-2 children, $75/month for 3-4, $100/month for 5+.

6. Duration (Minn. Stat. § 518A.26 Subd. 5)

Support continues until the child:

Reaches age 18, OR

Reaches age 20 if still attending secondary school full-time, OR

Is incapacitated such that the child cannot self-support.

7. Modification (§ 518A.39)

Modification requires a substantial change such that the existing terms are unreasonable and unfair. A rebuttable presumption of substantial change exists when the guideline amount differs from the existing order by at least 20% AND $75/month. A 36-month review by the Department of Human Services is also available.

8. Imputation (§ 518A.32)

Voluntary unemployment/underemployment allows imputation based on prior earnings, work history, education, training, vocational skills, and local labor market.

This is legal information, not legal advice.