College and Adult Child Support in Minnesota: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

We found no Minnesota provision for court-ordered college support, but a child includes an individual of any age who is incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental condition.

Does child support cover college in Minnesota?

We found no provision in the sections we read that lets a court order support for college. The definition of a child reaches secondary school students under 20 and anyone incapable of self-support (Minn. Stat. 518A.26, subd. 5), but not college students as such. Parents can agree to pay for college and ask the court to make the agreement part of the order.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Minnesota?

Yes. A child includes an individual who, by reason of physical or mental condition, is incapable of self-support, and the definition has no age limit (518A.26, subd. 5). Support can therefore continue past 18 for an adult child who cannot support himself or herself. The order should say so, and a modification can address the amount.

How do you show an adult child cannot self-support?

The statute states the test but not the proof. Bring medical and benefits records, evidence of the child’s income and expenses and a budget. The court decides.

Is a college clause enforceable if it is only in a settlement?

It is safer when the court approves it and includes it in the order, so the same enforcement tools apply. A promise outside the order is harder to collect. Ask a licensed Minnesota attorney how to draft it.

Does the child have to live with a parent for college support by agreement?

The statute does not require it; the agreement sets its own terms. Write who the money goes to, when it is paid and what happens if the child moves, so you do not have to argue about it later.

What does a Minnesota court look at for a disabled adult child?

The text we read gives only the test, incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental condition. Courts look at evidence of the condition, the child’s earnings and benefits and each parent’s resources, so bring all three.

Can parents agree to pay for college in Minnesota?

Yes. Put the amount, the schools, grade conditions and an end date in writing and ask the court to approve it so it can be enforced.

What are the age limits for a given birth date?

After those dates, college help comes only from an agreement, and an adult child who cannot self-support is covered at any age.

Does the self-support rule apply at any age?

The definition has no upper age limit for an individual incapable of self-support by reason of physical or mental condition (518A.26, subd. 5). A court order is still needed to set the amount, and the order can be modified under Minn. Stat. 518A.39.

What should a parent do before the child turns 18?

1. If the child will still be in secondary school, confirm the order continues support.
2. If the child cannot self-support, ask the court to confirm support continues and gather medical and benefits records.
3. If you want college covered, put an agreement in writing and ask the court to approve it.
4. Ask for withholding to end in writing when support ends.

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see how long Minnesota arrears last and the Minnesota child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Minn. Stat. 518A.26: definitions, including child
• Minn. Stat. 518A.39: modification; automatic termination
• Minn. Stat. 548.091: judgments
• Minn. Stat. 518A.53: income withholding

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Minnesota statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Minnesota attorney.