What Child Support Costs for One Child in Minnesota

Minnesota child support amounts depend on both parents' income, not a fixed number

Minnesota does not have a set dollar amount for child support. Instead, the state uses an income shares model, which means the court calculates what percentage of both parents' combined income should go toward the child, then divides that amount between them based on each parent's share of the total income. A parent earning $40,000 per year and a parent earning $60,000 per year will owe different amounts, even for the same child.

The calculation starts with combined parental income — wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, and certain other sources. The court then applies a percentage based on how many children are involved. For one child, Minnesota's guideline percentage is roughly 17% to 20% of combined income, though the exact figure depends on whether the parents share custody equally or one parent has primary custody.

Once the total support obligation is calculated, it is divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. If one parent earns 60% of the combined income, that parent pays 60% of the total obligation. The other parent pays the remaining 40%.

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota calculates child support as a percentage of both parents' combined income, not a flat fee, so the amount varies widely based on what each parent earns.
• For one child, the guideline percentage ranges from roughly 17% to 20% of combined income, depending on custody arrangement and other factors.
• Each parent's share of the total obligation is based on their percentage of the combined income.
• Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, and certain other sources, but the court can adjust the calculation if the amount seems unfair given the parents' actual situation.
• A family law attorney or the Minnesota Child Support Enforcement office can calculate the likely amount for your specific income figures.

How Minnesota calculates the percentage obligation

Minnesota's child support guidelines use a table that shows what percentage of combined income should support a child based on the number of children. For one child, the guideline percentage starts at around 17% of combined parental income. This percentage can shift slightly depending on whether the parents have equal custody (called "shared custody") or whether one parent has primary custody.

The calculation also includes adjustments for certain costs. If one parent pays for the child's health insurance, that cost is factored in. If one parent pays for childcare so the other parent can work, that is also included. These adjustments can raise or lower the final amount.

The court also considers whether either parent has other children from other relationships. A parent supporting a child from a previous relationship may have a lower obligation to the current child, because the court recognizes that income is already committed elsewhere.

What income counts toward the calculation

Minnesota includes most forms of income in the child support calculation. This includes W-2 wages, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, and certain benefits. Overtime and bonuses count as income if they are regular or recurring.

Some income does not count. Means-tested public benefits like SNAP or TANF are not included. Child support or spousal support received from another relationship is not counted as income. The court may also exclude income from a new spouse or partner, since that person has no legal obligation to the child.

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income — meaning it assigns an income level based on what the parent could earn. This prevents a parent from deliberately quitting a job to lower their support obligation. The imputed income is usually based on the parent's work history, education, and local job market.

Custody arrangement affects the percentage

Minnesota distinguishes between primary custody (one parent has the child most of the time) and shared custody (parents split time roughly equally). The guideline percentage can differ between these arrangements.

In primary custody cases, the non-custodial parent (the one without primary custody) typically pays a percentage of their income to the custodial parent. In shared custody cases, both parents' obligations are calculated, and the parent with higher income may still owe support to the other, but the amount is often lower because both parents are directly supporting the child during their parenting time.

The exact custody split matters. If one parent has the child 70% of the time and the other 30%, that is not quite shared custody, and the calculation reflects the unequal split.

How to estimate your child support amount

To get a rough estimate, add both parents' annual income, multiply by 0.17 (17%), and divide the result between the parents based on their income percentages. For example, if one parent earns $40,000 and the other earns $60,000, the combined income is $100,000. Seventeen percent of $100,000 is $17,000 per year, or about $1,417 per month. The parent earning $60,000 would pay 60% of that, which is roughly $850 per month.

This is a simplified estimate and does not account for health insurance costs, childcare, custody arrangement, or other adjustments. The actual amount could be higher or lower.

The Minnesota Child Support Enforcement office offers a child support calculator on its website where you can enter both parents' income and custody arrangement to see a more accurate estimate. You can also contact a family law attorney for a detailed calculation based on your specific situation.

When the court can adjust the guideline amount

Minnesota law allows the court to deviate from the guideline percentage if explore it would be unfair or inappropriate. The court must document its reasons in writing if it deviates.

Common reasons for deviation include: one parent has unusually high income (the guideline percentage may not make sense for very high earners); the child has special needs requiring extra support; one parent has significant debt unrelated to the child; or the guideline amount would leave one parent below the poverty line. The court can also adjust if the parents have agreed to a different amount in writing.

A deviation does not mean the guideline is ignored — it means the court explains why a different amount is more appropriate for that family's circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota have a minimum child support amount?

Minnesota does not set a minimum dollar amount, but the guideline calculation applies to all income levels. Even if both parents have very low income, the court will calculate the percentage obligation. In practice, if the calculated amount is very small, the court may order a nominal amount or find that the non-custodial parent's direct support (providing housing, food, or other necessities during parenting time) satisfies the obligation.

What if one parent makes much more money than the other?

The guideline percentage still applies, but Minnesota law recognizes that very high income can produce an unreasonably large obligation. The court may adjust the calculation for income above a certain threshold (which varies by year). A family law attorney can explain how this works for your income level.

Does child support change if custody changes?

Yes. If custody shifts from primary to shared, or if the time split changes significantly, the child support obligation is recalculated. Either parent can request a modification if circumstances have changed substantially since the order was entered.

Can parents agree to a different amount than the guideline?

Yes, but the court must approve it. Parents can negotiate a different amount and submit it to the court as part of a settlement agreement. The court will review it to may support it is not unfair to the child, but if both parents agree and the amount is reasonable, the court usually approves it.

What happens if the paying parent loses their job?

The parent can request a modification of the child support order. The court will recalculate based on the new income level. However, the parent must request the modification — the obligation does not automatically decrease. If the parent stops paying without requesting a modification, they can face enforcement action including wage garnishment or contempt charges.