Free · Minnesota · Current law
Based on Minnesota's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Minnesota Statutes 518A.35. Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Minnesota uses an Income Shares model to calculate child support. The calculation begins by determining the gross monthly income for both parents. These incomes are combined, and a guidelines chart is used to determine the total amount parents at that income level would spend on their children. This total is then divided between the parents proportionally, based on each parent's percentage contribution to the combined income. Adjustments are made for healthcare, childcare costs, and parenting time.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Minnesota guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
An uncontested divorce in Minnesota typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to finalize. Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on issues like property division or child custody, can take significantly longer, ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for a divorce in Minnesota, it is highly recommended, especially if your case involves complex assets, debts, or children. A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and that all legal requirements are met.
Yes, Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you do not need to prove marital misconduct or fault (such as adultery or abandonment) to obtain a divorce. The only ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (Minn. Stat. § 518.06(1)).
Minnesota follows the principle of equitable distribution for dividing marital property. This means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, and contributions to the marriage, to achieve a just and equitable division (Minn. Stat. § 518.58).
In Minnesota, child custody decisions are based on the 'best interests of the child.' The court considers numerous factors, including the child's wishes (if mature enough), each parent's ability to provide care, and the child's relationship with each parent. There are two types of custody: legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives) (Minn. Stat. § 518.17).
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