Modification of a support order

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Either parent may request that a child support order be modified (changed) if there has been a "substantial change of circumstances" since the order was made by the court. Usually an order is modified when there is a change in custody or visitation times or a large change in the income of either parent that will last for more than a few months.

The child support agency must try to modify an order if state guidelines indicate the amount of support should be raised or lowered by at least $50 (or, if the order is over $167 per month, by 30%).

An order can only be modified by the court - an agreement between the parents or with the child support agency will not modify an order unless the court makes a new order. A written motion requesting the modification is filed with the court and delivered to the parents. Usually the court requires both parents to file completed financial declarations, then holds a hearing to set the new order.