How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Minnesota

16 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

16 Resources

1. Minnesota Child Support Division — Free

State office that establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders for all 87 Minnesota counties from the St. Paul headquarters. Serves custodial and non-custodial parents. Apply through your county office or online MyChildSupport portal; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, income records, and any existing court orders. Handles paternity, genetic testing, and wage withholding.

651-431-4400 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Hennepin County Child Support Office — Free

Assists Hennepin County parents with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders from the Portland Avenue service center in Minneapolis. Handles paternity, wage withholding, and interstate cases. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free services for any parent with a child in common.

612-348-3400 · 525 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Ramsey County Child Support Office — Free

Handles child support establishment, modification, and enforcement for Ramsey County parents from the Kellogg Boulevard office in downtown St. Paul. Services include paternity, income withholding, and license suspension for non-payment. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and court orders.

651-266-3400 · 160 E Kellogg Blvd #1400, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Dakota County Child Support Office — Free

Child support services for Dakota County fathers and families from the West St. Paul office. Handles establishment, modification, and enforcement including paternity testing, wage withholding, and interstate cases. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing orders. Free to any parent with a child in common.

651-891-7400 · 1 Mendota Rd W #100, West St. Paul, MN 55118 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. St. Louis County Child Support — Free

Child support services for families in Duluth, the Iron Range, and across St. Louis County from the downtown Duluth office. Handles order establishment, modification, enforcement, and paternity. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any court orders. Free to parents regardless of custody arrangement.

218-726-2222 · 320 W 2nd St #301, Duluth, MN 55802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Minnesota Child Support Online — Free

Statewide online portal where parents can view payment history, make payments, update address and employer info, and communicate with their case worker 24/7. Account setup requires your case number, Social Security number, and a valid email. Free to use for any parent with a Minnesota child support case. Payments accepted by bank draft or debit card.

24/7 online

7. Washington County Child Support — Free

Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement for Washington County residents from the Stillwater service center. Handles paternity, wage withholding, and interstate cases. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and existing court orders. Free to any parent with a child in common in the county.

651-430-6455 · 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Scott County Child Support — Free

Child support establishment and enforcement services for Scott County families from the Shakopee Government Center. Handles paternity testing, income withholding, license actions, and interstate cases. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free services for parents sharing a child.

952-496-8686 · 200 4th Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Stearns County Child Support — Free

Child support services for families in St. Cloud and central Minnesota from the Stearns County Courthouse Square office. Handles order establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement including wage withholding. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing orders. Free to qualifying parents.

320-656-6000 · 705 Courthouse Sq, St. Cloud, MN 56303 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Wright County Child Support — Free

Handles child support cases for Wright County residents from the Buffalo Government Center, including establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement through wage withholding and license actions. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free to any parent with a child in common in the county.

763-682-7400 · 10 2nd St NW, Buffalo, MN 55313 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Carver County Child Support — Free

Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services in Carver County from the Chaska Government Center. Handles paternity, wage withholding, and interstate cases. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free to parents sharing a child regardless of custody status.

952-361-1600 · 600 E 4th St, Chaska, MN 55318 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. Rice County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Faribault, Northfield, and the surrounding Rice County area from the downtown Faribault office. Handles establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement including wage withholding. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free to qualifying parents.

507-332-6115 · 320 NW 3rd St, Faribault, MN 55021 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Blue Earth County Child Support — Free

Child support establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement in the Mankato area from the South 5th Street Government Center. Handles wage withholding, license suspension, and interstate cases for Blue Earth County parents. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and existing court orders. Free services for qualifying parents.

507-304-4335 · 410 S 5th St, Mankato, MN 56001 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Crow Wing County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Brainerd area families from the Crow Wing County Land Services building. Handles order establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement through wage withholding and license actions. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free to qualifying parents.

218-824-1320 · 322 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN 56401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Sherburne County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Elk River and Sherburne County residents from the Business Center Drive office. Handles establishment, paternity, modification, and enforcement including wage withholding. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing orders. Free services for any parent sharing a child.

763-765-4100 · 13880 Business Center Dr NW, Elk River, MN 55330 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. Clay County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Moorhead and Clay County area families from the 11th Street North office. Handles paternity, establishment, modification, and enforcement including wage withholding and license actions. Apply online or in person; bring photo ID, Social Security number, child birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing court orders. Free to qualifying parents.

218-299-5200 · 715 11th St N #303, Moorhead, MN 56560 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.