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| Since January 1, 2007, Minnesota child support guidelines determine support amounts using all of the following: |
| • the income of both parents |
| • the cost of raising a child at different income levels |
| The guidelines are based on gross monthly income, including: |
| • military and naval retirement |
| • pension and disability payments |
| • Social Security benefits received by a parent based on the parent’s own eligibility |
| • Social Security benefits paid for a joint child based on a parent’s eligibility |
| • income from self-employment or operation of a business |
| Gross income does not include: |
| Minnesota’s guidelines use each parent’s monthly gross income to set basic support. |
| A parent’s monthly gross income is reduced by the amount of spousal maintenance or child support that the parent is ordered to pay from other support order(s). Minnesota’s law allows a deduction from a parent’s monthly gross income for a maximum of two nonjoint children in their home. |
| A percentage is calculated for each parent’s share of the PICS. The obligor’s percentage of the combined PICS is multiplied by the combined basic support amount. This amount is the obligor’s basic support obligation. |
| If a court orders parenting time to the obligor of ten percent (10%) or more; the obligor may receive a deduction from basic support. The amount of the deduction is based on the percentage of court-ordered parenting time. |
| Basic Support is for the child’s expenses such as food, clothing, and transportation. Basic support does not include payments on arrears. |
| An obligor needs income to support him or herself. The guidelines subtract from the obligor’s income 120 percent (120%) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for one person to allow the obligor to have money for self support. |
| After subtracting the money for self-support, if the obligor’s income is less than the guidelines for basic support; then the amount of basic support is reduced so the support ordered is equal to the obligor’s income available for support. |
| • $50 per month for one or two children |
| • $75 per month for three or four children |
| • $100 per month for five or more children |
| If the court finds that the obligor has no ability to earn income, it won't order the minimum basic support. |
| Medical support is providing for or contributing to health care coverage for a joint child. It is possible that the custodial parent will owe medical support. That amount would be subtracted from the noncustodial parent’s child support. |
| Child care support is based on each parent’s share of their combined PICS. Child care support assists in paying for work- or school-related child care. |
| A court may order changes in a support order. When your income, expenses or other circumstances change you may be eligible to have our order modified. |
| 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 is able to estimate a basic support amount only for six or fewer children. |
| If you have any questions about your child support order you should contact your Child Support Agency or an attorney. |
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