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Minnesota has a detailed guideline for determining child support payments, aimed at ensuring fairness and consistency. The process begins by considering both parents’ gross income from all sources, subtracting any alimony or spousal support obligations. Next, each parent’s share of the combined income is calculated and applied to a guideline chart, which factors in the number of joint children. The final step involves adjusting for parenting time, deducting from the support amount based on the time each parent spends with the children.

Goal of Child Support

The goal of the child support guideline is to provide children with the same proportion of parental income they would receive if both parents lived together. To assist with this calculation, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers an online child support guideline calculator. This tool provides an estimate of the child support amount that may be owed or received. You can access the calculator at this link: Minnesota Child Support Calculator.

Changes Justifying Support Modification

Judges in Minnesota also have the authority to modify child support orders, whether temporary or permanent. However, modifications are only granted under specific circumstances, as outlined in Minnesota law. The person requesting the modification must prove that the current order is “unreasonable and unfair” and demonstrate at least one of the following conditions:

  • A significant decrease in the child support payer’s gross income.
  • A substantial change in the financial needs of either the parents or the children.
  • A parent or child begins receiving benefits from an Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
  • A notable change in the cost of living for either parent.
  • Extraordinary medical expenses incurred by a child.
  • A substantial change in the availability of health care coverage for the child.
  • New work-related or education-related childcare expenses.
  • The emancipation of a minor child.

Meeting one or more of these conditions is essential to qualify for a modification of child support in Minnesota.

Substantial Change in Circumstance

  • The proposed modification results in a calculated child support amount that is at least 20% and $75 per month higher or lower than the current order.
  • The medical support provisions in the order cannot be enforced by a public authority.
  • The health coverage provisions are no longer applicable to the child or children.
  • The current support obligation is expressed as a percentage rather than a specific dollar amount.
  • The child support payer’s gross income has decreased by at least 20% due to no fault or choice of their own.

Additionally, Minnesota law presumes a “substantial change in circumstances” has occurred, and that the existing child support order is unreasonable and unfair, if any of the following apply:

Understanding these guidelines and circumstances can help parents navigate the complexities of child support in Minnesota and ensure decisions reflect the best interests of their children.