Last verified: February 2026
A complete guide to Minnesota child support laws, including the income shares calculation method, guideline tables, and your rights and obligations as a parent.
Minnesota Child Support Guidelines use an income shares model to determine parental obligations. The guidelines create a rebuttable presumption that is applied in all judicial and administrative proceedings.
Quick Summary: Minnesota Child Support
- Calculation method: Income Shares Model
- Key statute: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A
- Age of termination: 18, or 20 if still in high school
- Income cap: $20,000 combined monthly income
- COLA adjustments: Available every two years
If after reading this you have further questions and would like a consultation, you can get a free case consultation from a local lawyer here.
How is child support calculated in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support under Minnesota Statutes section 518A.35. This model considers the combined income of both parents and divides the support obligation based on each parent’s proportionate share.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides an online child support calculator to estimate support amounts. While helpful for planning, the calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for the court’s determination.
To use the calculator, you will need:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income from all sources
- Information about existing child support orders
- The number of children and any nonjoint children
- Spousal maintenance order amounts
- Cost of medical and dental insurance
- Parenting time percentage or amount from the court order
- Childcare costs
- Benefits from Social Security or Veterans Affairs paid to the child
Basic calculation steps
The court calculates basic child support following these steps:
- Combine the gross incomes of both parents from all sources
- Deduct taxes, FICA, retirement contributions, and other permitted deductions
- Combine the adjusted incomes to determine the Parental Income for Child Support (PICS)
- Divide PICS based on each parent’s proportionate share of combined monthly income
- Reference the statutory guideline table for the basic support obligation
- Apply the parenting expense adjustment based on parenting time
Minnesota basic support guideline table
Under Minnesota Statutes section 518A.35, the basic support obligation is determined by the combined parental income and number of children. Here are selected amounts from the guideline:
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$1,399 | $50 | $60 | $70 | $80 |
| $2,000-$2,099 | $170 | $200 | $235 | $270 |
| $3,000-$3,099 | $415 | $525 | $598 | $665 |
| $4,000-$4,099 | $625 | $845 | $954 | $1,041 |
| $5,000-$5,099 | $818 | $1,132 | $1,281 | $1,387 |
| $6,000-$6,099 | $988 | $1,383 | $1,577 | $1,703 |
| $8,000-$8,099 | $1,106 | $1,548 | $1,765 | $1,907 |
| $10,000-$10,099 | $1,230 | $1,722 | $1,963 | $2,121 |
| $15,000-$15,099 | $1,539 | $2,155 | $2,457 | $2,654 |
| $20,000 and over | $1,839 | $2,575 | $2,935 | $3,170 |
For combined incomes exceeding $20,000 per month, the presumed basic obligation is the same as for $20,000. The court may order higher amounts if the child has a disability or other substantial demonstrated need per section 518A.43.
How to apply for child support in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services oversees the child support system. To apply:
- Download and complete the application forms
- Contact DHS via the state website or call 800-657-3890
- Visit your county’s Human or Social Services Department
Key points to remember:
- If the parents are not married, paternity must be established before support can be ordered
- A $25 application fee applies (may be waived for low-income applicants)
- District judges, district court referees, and child support magistrates may all order support
- If both parents have equal parenting time and equal incomes, the court generally will not order basic support unless expenses are unequally shared
How to modify child support in Minnesota
Minnesota provides for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that allow the support amount to be adjusted every two years based on economic changes. Custodial parents must request COLA adjustments.
Grounds for modification
Beyond COLA, either parent may petition for modification based on a “substantial change in circumstances,” including:
- A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Extraordinary medical expenses for the child
- Significant changes in work-related childcare costs
- The existing order differs by 20% and at least $50 from the guideline amount
- Medical provisions in the order are not enforceable
- Emancipation of the child
To request a modification, use the ezDocs system or call 651-531-5655. Filing fees may be waived for those who cannot afford them.
Enforcement and penalties for non-payment
The Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) within the Department of Human Services enforces child support orders in Minnesota. Enforcement methods include:
- Automatic income withholding: All support orders include automatic withholding, and employers must report new hires to the state
- Credit bureau reporting: Delinquency is reported to credit bureaus, affecting credit scores, mortgages, and employment opportunities
- Bank account garnishment: The Financial Institution Data Match program allows direct collection from bank accounts
- Passport denial: If arrears exceed $2,500, the U.S. State Department will deny, restrict, or revoke the passport
- Interest on arrears: Interest may be charged on unpaid support
- Student grant holds: Financial aid may be withheld
Criminal penalties
Under Minnesota Statutes section 609.375, failure to pay child support can result in:
- Gross misdemeanor: Up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a $3,000 fine
- Felony: Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for more serious cases
Statute of limitations
There is no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Minnesota. However, the statute of limitations on judgments is 10 years. If there is no presumed father, the limit for establishing paternity is one year after the child reaches the age of majority.
When does child support end in Minnesota?
Child support in Minnesota officially ends when the child turns 18. However, payments may continue:
- Until age 20 if the child is still attending high school
- Indefinitely if the child is physically or mentally disabled and unable to be self-supporting
Support does not terminate simply because the child leaves the parental household if the child has not otherwise emancipated.
Emancipation in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a specific statutory emancipation procedure. The court determines emancipation on a case-by-case basis, considering:
- The best interests of the child
- The minor’s living situation
- Parental consent (express or implied)
Grounds that may support emancipation include lawful marriage, express or implied parental consent, or court order.
Termination of parental rights
Parents may voluntarily terminate their parental rights to allow adoption. The court must determine that termination serves the child’s best interests. Involuntary termination may occur if a parent has abandoned the child, failed to provide support, engaged in egregious harm, or is unfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses the Income Shares Model. Both parents’ incomes are combined, and support is allocated based on each parent’s proportionate share. The amount is determined using the statutory guideline table based on combined income and number of children, then adjusted for parenting time.
What is the income cap for Minnesota child support?
For combined parental incomes exceeding $20,000 per month, the basic support obligation is the same as for incomes at the $20,000 level. Higher amounts may be ordered if the child has demonstrated special needs.
Can I get a cost of living adjustment in Minnesota?
Yes. COLA adjustments are available every two years based on changes in the cost of living. The custodial parent must request the adjustment.
What happens if I do not pay child support in Minnesota?
Non-payment can result in wage garnishment, bank account seizure, credit damage, passport denial, license suspension, and criminal charges. Felony non-payment carries up to 2 years imprisonment.
When does child support end in Minnesota?
Child support ends at age 18, or at age 20 if the child is still in high school. Support may continue indefinitely if the child has a physical or mental disability.
Is there a statute of limitations on child support in Minnesota?
There is no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears. However, judgments have a 10-year statute of limitations.
If you have additional questions, we recommend getting a free case consultation from a local attorney.
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