Minnesota uses a formula, not a fixed dollar amount

Minnesota does not set a single dollar amount for child support. Instead, the state uses a income shares model, which means the amount depends on both parents' gross monthly income, how much time each parent spends with the child, and a few other factors. The court calculates what percentage of combined income goes to the child, then divides that between parents based on their individual earnings and custody arrangement.

The baseline calculation starts with a table. If both parents' combined gross monthly income is $5,000, the state guideline says that amount should produce a certain percentage for child support — roughly 17% for one child. But if combined income is $10,000, the percentage is different. The actual dollar amount you pay or receive depends entirely on where your household income falls and how custody is split.

This means two families with one child can have vastly different support amounts. A parent earning $3,000 per month with primary custody might receive $400 monthly from the other parent. Another parent in the same situation but with a higher-earning ex might receive $800 or more. The formula is transparent, but the result is individual to each case.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota calculates child support as a percentage of both parents' combined gross income, not a flat rate, so the amount varies by household earnings.
  • For one child, the guideline percentage ranges from about 17% to 25% of combined income depending on total earnings and custody time.
  • The paying parent's portion is determined by dividing their income by the combined income, then applying the percentage to that share.
  • Custody time, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and other children in either household can all adjust the final amount up or down.
  • The court can deviate from the guideline if it finds the amount would be unjust or inappropriate, but must document the reason in writing.

How the income shares formula works in practice

Start with gross monthly income for both parents. Gross means before taxes — wages, self-employment income, rental income, disability payments, and some other sources all count. Minnesota has a cap: combined income over $163,000 per month (as of 2024; this adjusts yearly) is treated as if it were exactly $163,000 for calculation purposes, though the court can go higher if it finds good reason.

Next, look up the guideline amount on the Minnesota child support table. For one child with combined income of $5,000, the guideline is roughly $850 per month. For $8,000 combined, it is roughly $1,360. For $12,000, roughly $2,040. These are the total amounts that should go to the child's support.

Then divide that total between parents based on income share. If one parent earns $3,000 and the other earns $5,000 (combined $8,000), the first parent's share is 37.5% and the second parent's share is 62.5%. If the guideline total for $8,000 is $1,360, the higher-earning parent pays roughly $850 (their 62.5% share), and the lower-earning parent pays roughly $510 (their 37.5% share). The parent with primary custody usually receives the full amount; if custody is split more evenly, the calculation adjusts.

Adjustments that change the final amount

The guideline calculation is a starting point, not the final answer. Minnesota law requires the court to account for several things that raise or lower the amount.

Custody time is the biggest adjustment. If both parents have roughly equal overnight time with the child (around 40% or more each), the support amount drops because both are directly spending money on the child. The reduction is not automatic — it depends on the exact split and how the parents' incomes compare. A parent with 50% custody and lower income might pay less or nothing; a parent with 50% custody and higher income might still pay.

Other adjustments include childcare costs paid by either parent, health insurance premiums for the child, extraordinary medical or dental expenses, and the presence of other children in either household. If the paying parent has another child from a different relationship, that can lower the support amount. If the receiving parent has other children, that can raise it. Each adjustment has its own calculation and must be documented in the court order.

What income counts and what does not

Gross income for child support includes W-2 wages, self-employment income, rental or investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, disability payments, and military allowances. It also includes bonuses, commissions, and overtime if they are regular or expected.

Income does not include means-tested public assistance (TANF, food assistance), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the child support received from another relationship. Irregular bonuses or one-time payments may or may not count depending on whether they are expected to continue. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed — meaning they could earn more but choose not to — the court can impute income, which means treating them as if they earned more than they actually do.

Self-employed parents must provide tax returns and business records. The court looks at net self-employment income after legitimate business expenses. If income fluctuates, the court may average it over two or three years or use the most recent year, depending on the circumstances.

The range of amounts for one child

Because the formula depends on income, there is no single "typical" amount. However, the pattern is predictable. At the low end, a parent earning $2,000 per month with the other parent earning $1,500 (combined $3,500) would have a guideline of roughly $595 total; the higher earner would pay around $340. At the mid-range, combined income of $8,000 produces roughly $1,360 total, with the higher earner paying around $850. At the high end, combined income of $15,000 produces roughly $2,550 total, with the higher earner paying around $1,590.

These are rough figures and assume the parents have roughly equal custody time. If one parent has primary custody and the other has standard visitation (roughly 25% of overnights), the paying parent's amount increases. If custody is more equal, the amount decreases.

The income cap means that very high earners do not automatically pay proportionally more. A parent earning $200,000 per month and another earning $50,000 are treated as if combined income is $163,000 for the guideline calculation, though the court can order more if it finds the guideline unjust.

When the court can change the guideline amount

Minnesota law says the guideline amount is presumed correct, but the court can deviate if it finds the amount would be unjust or inappropriate. The court must state its reasons in writing. Common reasons for deviation include a parent's very high or very low income, significant custody arrangements that differ from the guideline assumption, the child's special needs or extraordinary expenses, the financial resources and standard of living of each parent, and the ability of each parent to contribute to the child's support.

A parent can ask the court to deviate by filing a motion or raising the issue during the initial support hearing. The burden is on the parent asking for the change to show why the guideline amount is unjust. Simply disagreeing with the amount is not enough; there must be a specific reason tied to one of the factors the law lists.

Deviations can go either direction. A court might order less support if a parent has significant other financial obligations or if custody time is much more equal than the guideline assumes. A court might order more support if a child has special needs, if one parent's income is very high, or if the guideline amount would not adequately meet the child's needs.

How to find the current guideline table

Minnesota publishes the child support guideline table every year on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website and through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The table shows the total support amount for combined incomes from roughly $1,000 per month up to the income cap. You can look up your combined income and find the guideline total, then calculate each parent's share based on income percentage.

The table is public and free to access. It is also usually included in court forms and instructions. If you are working with a lawyer, they will have the current table. If you are calculating on your own, make sure you are using the table for the current year, because the amounts adjust annually for inflation.

Some online calculators exist, but verify that they use the current Minnesota table and that you understand what adjustments they are or are not including. A calculator that only uses the basic guideline without accounting for custody time, childcare costs, or other children will give you an incomplete picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota have a minimum child support amount?

Minnesota does not have a formal minimum, but the guideline table starts at very low combined incomes. If both parents earn very little, the guideline amount may be $50 to $100 per month or less. The court can order $0 if it finds the guideline unjust, but this is rare and requires documented reasons.

What if one parent is not working?

If a parent is not working but could work, the court can impute income based on their age, education, work history, and job market conditions. A parent with a college degree and work experience might be imputed income at a full-time minimum wage level or higher. A parent with a disability or caregiving responsibilities might not be imputed income, or might be imputed a lower amount. The court must document its reasoning.

Can child support change if income changes?

Yes. Either parent can ask the court to modify support if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, usually defined as a 10% or more change in either parent's income. A job loss, significant raise, or major change in custody time can trigger a modification. The change must be expected to last more than a few months to may have access to.

Does child support end at age 18?

In Minnesota, child support typically ends when the child turns 18, unless the child is still in high school, in which case it continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Support does not continue into college or beyond unless the parents agree in writing or the court orders it as part of a deviation.

What if both parents have equal income and equal custody?

If income and custody time are truly equal, the guideline amount may be very low or zero, because each parent is contributing equally. However, the court still looks at the guideline calculation to confirm this result. If one parent has significantly higher expenses (such as childcare costs they pay), that can still result in a small support obligation even with equal income and custody.