Minnesota uses an income shares model based on both parents’ gross incomes (PICS — Parental Income for Determining Child Support). A basic support obligation is determined from a published guidelines table. Each parent pays a pro rata share.
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Minnesota calculates child support using the Income shares model established under Minn. Stat. § 518A.35. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Basic obligation from Minnesota guidelines table based on combined gross income and number of children. Each parent's share = pro rata.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Minnesotarequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 518A.35
PICS (Parental Income for Determining Child Support) calculation.
Combined income used with published guidelines table.
Parenting time adjustment for joint physical custody arrangements.
Health insurance and childcare added, split proportionally.
Income imputation for voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent.
Minnesota uses "dissolution" terminology, not "divorce."
Pure no-fault state.
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Residency Requirement
180 days residency
Mandatory Waiting Period
No mandatory waiting period
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown (pure no-fault)
State Income Tax
Progressive 5.35–9.85% (among the highest in the US)
Minnesota uses the Income shares model under Minn. Stat. § 518A.35. Minnesota uses an income shares model based on both parents’ gross incomes (PICS — Parental Income for Determining Child Support). A basic support obligation is determined from a published guidelines table. Each parent pays a pro rata share.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. PICS (Parental Income for Determining Child Support) calculation.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Basic obligation from Minnesota guidelines table based on combined gross income and number of children. Each parent's share = pro rata.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Minnesota's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free MinnesotaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Minnesota family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Minnesota family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 518A.35.