How to Request a Child Support Review or Modification

When and how to ask the court or child support agency to look at your case

You can ask a court or your state's child support enforcement agency to review your child support order at any time — you do not have to wait for a specific date or reason. The process differs depending on whether you want the amount changed, whether you are the parent paying support or receiving it, and whether you already have a court order in place. Most states let you request a review in writing, by phone, or through an online portal, and the agency will examine your income, custody arrangement, and other factors to decide whether the order should stay the same or be modified.

The review itself is free, but if you want to change the order through the court, you may need to file paperwork with a filing fee (usually $50 to $300, though some courts waive fees for low-income parents). Understanding what triggers a review, what documents you need, and which office handles your request will save you time and prevent your request from getting lost in the system.

Key Takeaways

• You can request a review of your child support order through your state's child support enforcement agency or by filing a motion in family court, and neither requires a specific reason or waiting period.
• Most states allow reviews if there has been a significant change in income, custody, or health insurance costs, but you can also request one even without a change if you believe the order is unfair.
• The child support agency will review your case for free, but filing a motion in court usually costs a filing fee that varies by county.
• You will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of custody changes, and documentation of any major life changes to support your request.
• The review process typically takes two to four months, and the agency or court will notify both parents of the outcome in writing.

Finding the right office to submit your request

Your state's child support enforcement agency is usually the fastest route. This office is often called the Department of Child Support Services, Child Support Enforcement Division, or Office of Child Support Enforcement — the name varies by state. You can find the correct office by searching "[your state] child support enforcement" or by calling your county courthouse and asking for the child support office phone number.

When you contact the agency, tell them you want to request a review or modification of an existing order. They will ask for your case number (found on your child support order) and the other parent's name. Some states let you submit the request online through a parent portal; others require you to call or mail in a form. If you do not have an existing order and want one established, you will need to file in family court instead — the child support agency cannot create an order from scratch, only review or modify one that already exists.

If you are represented by a lawyer, your lawyer can submit the request on your behalf. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the court clerk whether your county has a legal aid office that handles child support cases.

Documents you need to gather before requesting a review

Bring or send recent proof of your income. This means your last two to three pay stubs (showing year-to-date earnings), your most recent federal tax return, and any documents showing other income like self-employment earnings, disability payments, unemployment benefits, or rental income. If your income has changed recently, include a letter from your employer stating the new amount, or documentation of job loss or a new job.

If custody has changed or you want it to change, bring a copy of any new custody order, or a written summary of the current arrangement if there is no formal order. If you are paying for health insurance for the child, bring a copy of the insurance card and a statement showing your monthly premium. If you have other children you are supporting (from a different relationship), bring proof of that support obligation, as it may lower the amount you owe.

Gather any documents showing a major life change: a medical diagnosis requiring expensive treatment, a significant increase or decrease in expenses, a change in your work schedule that affects childcare costs, or proof that the other parent's income has changed. The more specific your documentation, the stronger your case for a modification.

What "significant change" means and when you can request a review

Most states define a significant change as a shift of 10 to 15 percent in either parent's income, a change in custody, a substantial change in childcare or health insurance costs, or a change in the cost of living in your area. However, you do not have to wait for a significant change to request a review — you can ask at any time. Some states automatically review cases every three years whether or not anything has changed, and some review cases when a parent receives public benefits like TANF or Medicaid.

If your income has dropped because you lost your job, became disabled, or took a lower-paying position, document that change. If the other parent's income has increased (you may learn this from tax returns filed in court or from information they provide), that is grounds for a review. If you now have primary custody instead of the other parent, or if custody has shifted, that changes the calculation significantly and warrants a review.

Even without a documented change, you can request a review if you believe the current order does not reflect the actual financial situation or if circumstances have shifted in ways that are not yet documented. The agency or court will decide whether to modify the order based on what they find.

The timeline from request to decision

Once you submit your request, the child support agency or court will send a copy to the other parent and give them time to respond — usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state. During this time, the agency gathers income information from both parents, sometimes by requesting recent tax returns or contacting employers directly. If either parent does not respond or provide documents, the agency may proceed based on the information it has.

The full review process typically takes two to four months. Some cases move faster if both parents agree to the change; others take longer if there is disagreement or if documents are missing. You will receive written notice of the outcome, which will either confirm the current order, propose a new amount, or explain why the order will not be changed. If the agency proposes a change and you disagree, you have the right to request a hearing before a judge.

What happens if you disagree with the review outcome

If the child support agency reviews your case and proposes a change you do not agree with, or decides not to modify the order when you believe it should be changed, you can request a hearing. At a hearing, you present your evidence to a judge or hearing officer, and the other parent has a chance to respond. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer.

The hearing is your opportunity to explain why the order should be different. Bring all your documents — pay stubs, tax returns, proof of custody changes, medical bills, or anything else supporting your position. The judge will make a final decision, which either parent can appeal to a higher court if they believe the judge made an error in explore the law.

If you cannot afford a lawyer for the hearing, ask the court clerk about legal aid. Some counties have lawyers who represent low-income parents in child support hearings for free or at reduced cost.

Temporary changes while your review is pending

If your financial situation has changed dramatically — you lost your job, became seriously ill, or had a major expense — you can ask the court for a temporary modification while the review is happening. This is called an emergency or expedited modification. You will need to show that waiting for the regular review process would cause you hardship.

To request a temporary change, contact the child support agency or file an emergency motion in family court. You will need to explain the hardship and provide documentation. The court can issue a temporary order that stays in place until the full review is complete. This does not replace the regular review process; it just gives you relief while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a review if I am behind on payments?

Yes. Requesting a review does not stop the accumulation of arrears (unpaid support), but it may lower your future payment amount if the court finds your circumstances have changed. If you are behind, tell the agency when you submit your review request — they may be able to work out a payment plan while the review is pending.

What if the other parent refuses to provide income information?

The child support agency can subpoena income records directly from employers, banks, and the IRS. If the other parent still refuses to cooperate, the judge may hold them in contempt of court or make assumptions about their income that work against them. You do not need the other parent's permission to request a review.

Do I have to go to court for a review?

Not necessarily. The child support agency can review and modify orders administratively without a court hearing in most states. You only go to court if you disagree with the agency's decision and request a hearing, or if you file a motion directly with the court instead of using the agency.

How much does it cost to request a review?

Requesting a review through the child support agency is free. If you file a motion in family court, there is usually a filing fee ($50 to $300 depending on your county), though courts often waive fees for parents with very low income. Ask the court clerk about fee waivers when you file.

Can I request a review more than once?

Yes. You can request a review whenever circumstances change significantly. However, most states require at least three years between reviews unless there has been a substantial change in income or custody. Requesting reviews too frequently without documented changes may result in the agency declining your request.