Modifying a Child Support Order

A legal change of a child support order is called an "adjustment" or a "modification." A change could increase or decrease the amount of the support order. It could also add or modify the order to provide medical support. Learn more - watch a video about changing your child support order.

An order could be changed if the review finds that:

• The order does not conform to the child support guidelines
• The order does not include medical support
• The change in the child support amount would be at least 15% of the current order, and the difference would be $50 or more a month

How an order is changed:

• If the child support agency does the review and finds that a change is warranted, they might draft a legal agreement known as a stipulation and ask both parents to sign it. The legal agreement will take effect when the court approves the agreement.
  
• If both parents agree to change the amount of support, they may use the Office of State Court's online form, FA-604 - Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment for Support/Maintenance/Custody/Placement. This can be done at the child support agency, or if the parents are using the pro se process, they can complete the form independently and submit it to the child support agency.
• If a parent does not agree to the stipulation, the child support agency might ask the court to change the order.
• If the court reviews the order, the court will decide whether or not to change it.