MN Child Support: How is it Calculated?

In the state of Minnesota, the way child support is calculated underwent a major change in 2007. Child support is now calculated by a strict formula, taking into account each parent’s gross monthly income and the amount of parenting time that is exercised by the non-custodial parent. The parenting time is divided into three ranges, and an adjustment is applied to the base child support award based on the parenting time the parent has been awarded by a court: 0-10%, 10-45%, and 45-50%.

The court has made the child support calculator available online on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website. If you have questions about the amount of child support you may be awarded, it is a good idea to start there and experiment with income figures.

If a parent is under- or un-employed, the court may impute income to them. Income may be imputed to an amount that they are capable of earning, have earned in the past, or a default amount of 150% of minimum wage (approximately $1,702.00 per month). If after child support has been awarded there are changes in a parent’s income, the court may modify the child support award. This is done through a motion filed by the party requesting the change. The court will look at the request, see if it qualifies as a change in circumstances defined in Minnesota Statute § 518A.39, and determine if a modification would be appropriate.

If you have questions about child support in general, or more specific questions about your case, call the family law attorneys at Heimerl & Lammers today.