Child Support in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Family Law
Minnesota applies income shares model with support continuing through age 18 and automatic adjustment every two years.
How Minnesota treats Child Support
The state calculates support using combined parental income with percentage allocations varying by number of children and custody time. Minnesota requires automatic adjustments to child support orders every two years or upon a 10% income change. Support terminates when the child turns 18, graduates high school, or becomes emancipated, whichever occurs last.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.