Minnesota Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Minnesota using our free calculator based on the official Minnesota Statute 518A.35. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Minnesota Child Support Calculator

Based on Minnesota's 2024 Minnesota Statute 518A.35

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Minnesota

  • Minnesota uses the Income Shares model with declining percentage rates at higher income levels.
  • The basic obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $244/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,480/month at $15,000 combined monthly income.
  • Minnesota calculates "Parental Income for Child Support" (PICS) by adjusting gross income with standardized tax tables.
  • The self-support reserve is 120% of the federal poverty level, approximately $1,494 per month.
  • A parenting time adjustment is available when the non-custodial parent has more than 10% of court-ordered parenting time.

Source: Minnesota Statute 518A.35 • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Minnesota?

If you make $60,000 a year in Minnesota, child support for 1 child is estimated at $664 per month ($7,968 per year) based on the Minnesota Statute 518A.35. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Minnesota, child support for 1 child is approximately $609/month.

Minnesota Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $515/mo $752/mo $888/mo
$50,000/yr $594/mo $871/mo $1,029/mo
$60,000/yr $664/mo $977/mo $1,154/mo
$70,000/yr $725/mo $1,071/mo $1,266/mo
$80,000/yr $779/mo $1,154/mo $1,365/mo
$100,000/yr $874/mo $1,301/mo $1,539/mo
$120,000/yr $925/mo $1,381/mo $1,634/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Minnesota

Minnesota uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Minnesota

Both parents' gross incomes (PICS)
Number of children
Parenting time percentage
Health and dental insurance costs for children
Work-related child care costs
Other support obligations
Social Security benefits received on behalf of the child
Special needs of the child

Important Notes for Minnesota

  • Minnesota uses the Income Shares model with a formula that applies declining percentages at higher income levels.
  • Minnesota calculates "Parental Income for Child Support" (PICS), which adjusts gross income using standardized tax tables.
  • The self-support reserve is set at 120% of the federal poverty level for one person.
  • Minnesota provides a parenting time adjustment based on the percentage of court-ordered parenting time.

Example Child Support Calculation in Minnesota

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Child Support

How is child support calculated in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes are combined to determine the basic child support obligation using statutory percentages that decline at higher income levels. Each parent pays their proportional share. Minnesota uses "Parental Income for Child Support" (PICS), which is gross income adjusted by standardized tax tables.
How much is child support for 1 kid in Minnesota?
For 1 child in Minnesota, the basic obligation depends on both parents' combined PICS. At $5,000 combined monthly income, the obligation is approximately $790. At $10,000, it's approximately $1,205. The non-custodial parent pays their proportional share of this amount.
Does parenting time affect child support in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has court-ordered parenting time exceeding 10% of the time. The adjustment reflects the direct costs that parent incurs during their parenting time and can significantly reduce the child support obligation.
What is the self-support reserve in Minnesota?
Minnesota sets the self-support reserve at 120% of the federal poverty level for one person, approximately $1,494 per month. If the obligor's PICS falls below this threshold, the child support obligation is reduced to ensure the parent can meet their own basic needs.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official Minnesota Statute 518A.35 (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Minnesota. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Minnesota courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Minnesota family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the Minnesota Statute 518A.35. Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

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