Minnesota Child Support

MINNESOTA CHILD SUPPORT

Effective January 1, 2007, child support obligations in Minnesota are based on the gross incomes of each parent, regardless of the custodial labels or arrangements.  To determine a parent's child support obligation, generally, you will need the following information:

1.  Number of "joint children" (i.e. children of both parents);

2.  Number of "non-joint children" (i.e. children of just one parent involved in the particular proceeding);

3.  Each parent's "gross income";

4.  The amount of "Court Ordered" parenting time that each parent has with the joint children:

       a.  less than 10% of the time;

       b.  between 10% and 45% of the time;

       c.  in excess of 45% of the time;

5.  The cost of childcare/daycare that is expended for the joint children (if any);

6.  The cost of health insurance and dental insurance that is expended for the joint children;

Once this information is ascertained, it can be incorporated into Minnesota's child support calculator (Minnesota Child Support Calculator). 

Generally, the more the parents make in in total (combined) income, the greater the amount the children will be entitled to for a total child support obligation.  Minnesota law provides a chart of the corresponding child support amount based on the parents' total income.  The child support calculator will also determine the parents' "PICS" incomes for purposes of allocating various expenses.  Each parent's PICS income reflects that parent's percentage of the parents' total income. 

There is "presumption" in the law that each parent is capable of working a 40 hour week (with certain exceptions), and that if the parent does not work 40 hours per week, "potential income" can be imputted to that parent for purposes of determining an appropriate child support obligation.