Child support questions

Can child support be modified?

How to use this page: review the guidance below, enter the requested information, and compare the estimate with your state's official rules before making legal or financial decisions.

Short answer: Yes. Child support can be modified when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as a major income change, a change in custody or parenting time, or new medical needs. Many states treat a change of roughly 15% to 20% in the support amount as substantial, and support agencies can review orders every three years on request.

Common reasons

Job loss or a large raise, a change in overnights, a child's new medical or child care costs, incarceration, or a child aging out of the order.

How to request it

File a motion or petition with the court that issued the order, or ask your state child support agency for a review. A change usually applies only from the date you file, not before, so file promptly.

Do not just stop paying

Informal agreements are generally not enforceable. Until a court changes the order, the original amount keeps accruing.

Run the numbers with the Modification Calculator, or talk to a lawyer about your case.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and change over time.