Spousal and Child Support

Although both parents are responsible for supporting their child, in a divorce, it is assumed that the custodial parent will spend a relevant amount of money on the child's needs directly. Therefore, officially, "child support" implies money paid by the non-custodial parent to contribute to the child's well-being.

In Minnesota, the amount of child support is calculated for each case separately, according to the Income Shares Formula, which takes into account the income and the earning capacity of both spouses, the number of minor children, the child's needs, and a cost of medical insurance.

In Minnesota, if the non-custodial parent spends more than 10% of their time with the child, this may lower his/her support obligation.