When setting a support obligation, the court uses the Minnesota child support guidelines that are in state law. The guidelines are a formula used to calculate support obligations. They are reviewed every four years and they help determine support amounts using the:
- Income of both parents
- Number of children
- Cost of raising a child at different income levels
- Availability and cost of medical support. (New link when new page added)
The guidelines are used to determine basic, medical and child care support. The court may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances.
Child support guidelines calculator
You can estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered on a case using the Child Support Guidelines Calculator. The estimate is informational only. The court has the authority to order child support.
The calculator can estimate a basic support amount for six or fewer children. If you have questions about items on the calculator, click on the links in each numbered line for an explanation of those items.
If you have any questions about your child support amount, contact your county child support worker or an attorney.
