The state of Minnesota uses specific guidelines to determine child support. Parents who want to estimate either how much child support they owe, or how much child support they will receive, should use Minnesota’s interactive child support calculator, which is provided by the state.
Tips for Using the Minnesota Child Support Calculator
- Only use the Minnesota child support calculator provided on the state’s Department of Child Support services web site.
- Third-party child support calculators may not provide users with a reliable, accurate child support estimate.
- Be aware that the Minnesota child support calculator is designed to provide an estimate only.
- In order to use the calculator, you will need to know the gross monthly income of both parents, including wages, tips, bonuses, self-employment earnings, investment income, and all other sources of income.
- You will also need to know about certain expenses for each parent, including the cost of health premiums and any other child or spousal support payments.
- In the event that either parent has children who receive or are due social security or veteran's benefits, you need to know the amount.
- Finally, you will also need to know the amount of parenting time that has been awarded in court to both parents.
Tips for Parents Requesting Child Support in Minnesota
- Become familiar with Minnesota’s child support guidelines.
- File for child support at your county child support agency.
- You can also print an application for child support services from the web site and bring it in to the office with you.
- When filing for child support, provide a much detailed, accurate information as you can.
- Parents in Minnesota receive child support payments via direct deposit.
Tips for Parents Who Owe Child Support in Minnesota
- You can set up automatic payments through the Minnesota Department of Human Services web site.
- Be aware that the state of Minnesota charges interest on unpaid child support.
- If you have difficulty paying child support, consider requesting a child support modification.
