CHANGE A CHILD SUPPORT AMOUNT

Yes, you can get your child support amount changed, if there has been a change in finances or circumstances for you or the other parent that qualifies. This is called a “modification.”

Overview:

• Either parent (or a guardian) can request a ”review and adjustment” from the agency handling their case
• To request a review and adjustment, you must have an open case (a case can be opened at any time)
• Your support order can go up or down based on the new information
• Generally, modifications can happen if the support order would change by 20% or $50, whichever is less
• If both parties can agree to the new support amount ahead of time, you can sign a “Stipulated Agreement” that will be filed with the court. If there is no agreement, the court will decide the amount
• There is no charge for asking for a review and adjustment
• Even if your local agency says no, you can still go to court to have a judge or commissioner decide your order (your county’s Family Law Facilitator can help you do this)

You should ask for a modification if:

• You are laid off or fired from your job
• You get a new or additional job
• Your income or the other parent’s income increases or decreases
• Custody or visitation changes
• Your family size changes
• You become disabled
• You go to jail or prison
• You are deployed to active military service

You will need proof of:

• Your income and expenses
• Any child care expenses (bills, payment receipts, check stubs, etc.) 
• Medical insurance (statement, check stubs, etc.) 
• Your disability status (letter, documentation, etc.) 
• Jail or prison status
• Unemployment benefits (letter, documentation, etc.) 
• Retirement income (paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.) 
• Your current custody and visitation arrangements (text messages, calendars, drop- off schedules, call logs, etc.)