Changing a child support order

The court sets child support obligations based on family circumstances and information from both parents. Child support orders can be changed or modified only by a court order or by cost-of-living adjustments. You may be eligible to have your order modified if your income, expenses, child care, medical coverage, or other circumstances change. Child care support can be changed if one parent tells the county child support worker that child care has started or stopped.

Family circumstances change and income may increase or decrease. Some parents experience difficult times that make them unable to pay their obligation, such as unemployment, underemployment, health changes or incarceration. Child support obligations do not stop when an income source ends. Charging continues regardless of ability to pay, unemployment insurance benefits or other circumstances.

Parents who have full child support services should contact their county child support worker right away if their situation changes.

If you have income withholding-only services, the child support office cannot help you change an order. You will need to file a motion with the court yourself or with the help of an attorney.

Criteria for changing court orders
The court may change a child support order if any of the following occurs:
- There is a substantial increase or decrease in either parent's gross income, including a job loss
- There is a substantial increase or decrease in the needs of a parent or the child
- One parent or the child receives public assistance
- There is a change in the cost-of-living for either parent
- There are extraordinary medical expenses for the child
- There is a change in the availability of health care coverage for the child or a substantial increase or decrease in health care coverage costs
- There is a substantial change in work-related or education-related child care expenses of the parent who is ordered to pay support
- The child is emancipated.
Change of circumstances
For the court to modify your support order, you must show that you have experienced a substantial change of circumstances that makes the support order unreasonable and unfair. For the court to decide your change in circumstances is substantial, you must show the:
- Current order would change by at least 20 percent and be least $75 higher or lower after applying the Minnesota guidelines for calculating child support. If the current order is less than $75, it would increase or decrease by at least 20 percent per month after applying the guidelines.
- Medical support provisions of the order are not enforceable
- Health care coverage ordered for a child is no longer available
- Current order is for a percentage of income, not a fixed dollar amount
- Parent's gross income decreased by at least 20 percent through no fault or choice of the parent
- Court granted a deviation from child support guidelines because the child lived in a foreign country and the child no longer lives in the foreign country
- Custody of the child has changed.
For more information, read Changing Your Minnesota Child Support Order (PDF).
County case reviews for modification
Either parent may request a review of their child support through their county child support office. If you think you qualify for a modification, you may find it helpful to use the Child Support Guidelines Calculator to estimate the payment before requesting a review. If a parent requests a review of their child support, the other parent may respond to the request.

Parents may request a review by:
- Calling or writing to their county child support worker
- Completing and submitting a Financial Statement (PDF) or an online Financial Statement through Child Support ezDocs
- Completing and submitting a Medical Modification Information Sheet (PDF) or an online Medical Modification Information Sheet through Child Support ezDocs.
The request should state the reasons for the review. The county office determines whether your request meets review requirements.
- If your request meets the requirements, your worker will complete the review and move forward with the request. If both parents agree to the change, your worker may be able to ask a court to approve the change without scheduling a hearing.
- If your request is not eligible, your worker will deny the modification request and notify you and the other parent. If the county denies your request, you or the other parent can file a motion asking the court to modify the order. You can file a motion in court with or without the help of an attorney.
Important information about court hearings
If you are scheduled for a child support hearing, prepare for the hearing, attend and actively participate by telling your side of the case. Being ready and being present is important and results in better orders and outcomes for families.

Resources are available to help you know what to expect and prepare for the hearing:
- The Minnesota Judicial Branch's Self-Help Centers provide in-person help with child support issues. Check to see if a Self-Help Center is located in your district or county office
- The required document Financial Affidavit for Child Support will help you prepare your income information for the hearing
- The video "File Your Forms and Go to Your Hearing" provides instructions and tips about hearings. It is available at the Minnesota Judicial Branch's Self-Help Center's website, along with other helpful information.