Reviewed August 2026
Child Support in Minnesota
Minnesota calculates child support using the income shares model. This is set out in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A. The court determines each parent's gross income, then calculates each parent's parental income for determining child support. It finds each parent's percentage share of the combined amount. That share is then applied to a combined basic support obligation. Minnesota district courts hear child support matters. The state's county-based child support offices, coordinated by the Department of Human Services, help parents apply for and manage IV-D child support services.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how child support works under Minnesota law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Minnesota paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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The income shares calculation under Chapter 518A
Under Minn. Stat. § 518A.34, the court first determines each parent's gross income. It then calculates each parent's parental income for determining child support, known as PICS. This is done by subtracting a credit for each parent's own nonjoint children. The court finds each parent's percentage share of the combined PICS. It applies the statewide guidelines to find the combined basic support obligation, then multiplies each parent's percentage share by that obligation. A parenting expense adjustment formula is applied next, along with separate calculations for child care support and medical support. A self-support adjustment or minimum support adjustment can apply for lower-income parents.
Applying for services
Minnesota delivers child support services through county and tribal child support offices, working under the state's Department of Human Services. A parent applies for services through their county's child support office. The program can help establish paternity, set up a new support order, or collect and enforce an order that already exists. It can also help locate a parent whose address is unknown, a common early step in opening a case.
Who hears a Minnesota child support case
Minnesota district courts decide child support matters. They apply the Chapter 518A guidelines to the parents' documented income. The court's order separately sets out the amount owed for basic support, child care support, and medical support. County child support offices help establish and enforce these orders in IV-D cases.
Modifying an existing order
A Minnesota child support order can be modified on a showing of a substantial change in circumstances that makes the existing order unreasonable and unfair. This can include a significant change in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in parenting time. County child support offices can also periodically review IV-D cases to check whether the current order still matches the guidelines.
Enforcement tools
Minnesota's child support program can pursue income withholding directly from a paying parent's wages. It can also intercept state and federal tax refunds and apply a cost-of-living adjustment to existing orders under section 518A.75. Additional administrative remedies, including license suspension, are available for parents who fall significantly behind. A parent who does not comply with a district court support order can also be held in contempt of court.
Sources: Minn. Stat. § 518A.34 (Computation of child support obligations)
Not independently confirmed
- Direct verified URL for Minnesota DHS's public child support services page (mn.gov domain returned an automated bot-detection challenge during verification; the statute itself was independently confirmed on revisor.mn.gov)
- Exact modification statute section and numeric threshold (commonly Minn. Stat. § 518A.39)
Child Support in Minnesota: frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota use the income shares model for child support?+
Yes. Under Minn. Stat. § 518A.34, the court calculates each parent's income for determining child support and finds each parent's percentage share of the combined amount. That share is applied to a combined basic support obligation set by the state's guidelines.
How do I apply for child support services in Minnesota?+
You apply through your county's child support office, which operates under Minnesota's Department of Human Services. The program can help establish paternity, set up a new support order, or collect and enforce an order that already exists.
What court hears child support cases in Minnesota?+
Minnesota district courts decide child support matters, applying the Chapter 518A income shares guidelines to the parents' documented income. The order separately sets out basic support, child care support, and medical support amounts.
When can I modify my Minnesota child support order?+
Generally, when you can show a substantial change in circumstances that makes the existing order unreasonable and unfair, such as a significant income change. County child support offices can also periodically review IV-D cases to check whether the order still matches the guidelines.
What happens if a parent stops paying child support in Minnesota?+
Minnesota's child support program can pursue income withholding and intercept state and federal tax refunds. A parent who does not comply with a district court order can also be held in contempt, and license suspension is available for significant arrears.
Is there an official Minnesota child support calculator?+
Minnesota's Chapter 518A guidelines are the basis for the state's calculation. Confirm the current worksheet or online calculator through your county child support office or the Minnesota Department of Human Services before estimating an amount.
This page is general information about child support in Minnesota, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Minnesota's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Minnesota. Virdix does not prepare or file Minnesota divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Minnesota.
More Minnesota divorce guides
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