How to Modify a Child Support Order by State

A child support order isn't permanent — if income, custody, or a child's needs change enough, either parent can ask to have it recalculated. Every state runs on the same federal framework, but the specific threshold for what counts as a "substantial change," and how you actually request a review, vary by state.

How Modification Works, in General

The 3-Year Review Right

Federal law requires every state's child support agency to let either parent request a review once an order is 3 years old — no proof of a changed circumstance required. Nearly every state uses some version of this, though the exact interval and process differ (Iowa uses 24 months, Delaware uses 2.5 years, Wisconsin and a few others tie it to when the order was last touched).

The "Substantial Change" Threshold

Outside that 3-year window, most states require showing a substantial change — and many define that with a specific number: commonly a 10–20% difference between the current order and what the guidelines would produce today. A handful of states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, among others) skip the bright line and decide case by case instead.

Administrative Review vs. Going to Court

Most states let you start with a free administrative review through the child support agency, which can then bring the case to court if a change is warranted. A few states — Indiana, New Hampshire, South Dakota among them — require going through the court from the start; the agency can help prepare paperwork but can't change the order itself.

Fees Are Usually Small or Waived

Requesting a review through the state agency is free in most states. Filing a motion directly in court sometimes carries a modest fee — typically $25–$85 — and fee waivers are commonly available for parents who can't afford it, particularly if the state is already providing child support services.

A modification changes the order going forward, not the past

In nearly every state, a modification only takes effect once it's filed and approved — it doesn't erase support that was already owed before that point. If you're paying support and your circumstances have changed, requesting a review as soon as possible matters, since arrears from before the modification typically still stand. This page is a general summary, not legal advice; confirm the current threshold, process, and any deadlines with the state's own child support office.

Modification Rules by State

Filter states

State	Modification Threshold	How to Request	Fee
Alabama	10% variance between the current order and the guideline amount creates a rebuttable presumption a modification is warranted.	Administrative review through DHR, or a direct court petition (Form PS-02).	$5–$25 DHR application fee; court filing fee varies.
Alaska	15% variance between the current order and the guideline amount is presumed a material change.	CSSD review for agency-established orders; a Motion to Modify in court for court orders.	$75 court filing fee (often waived if both parents agree).
Arizona	15%, or $50/month, whichever is less.	DCSS administrative review (Form CSE-1178A) or a court petition.	Not clearly stated for DCSS review; standard court filing fees apply for a petition.
Arkansas	20% change in either parent's gross income.	OCSE administrative review, which files a court motion if the threshold is met.	$25 one-time application fee if not already an open case; additional legal-action charges if OCSE files in court.
California	20%, or $50/month, whichever is less.	Request a review and adjustment from your county Local Child Support Agency (LCSA), or go directly to court.	Free to request a review and adjustment through the LCSA.
Colorado	10% change in the monthly support amount.	Written review request to the county Child Support Services office, or a court motion (Form JDF 1403).	No fee for the administrative review; court filing fees apply for a motion.
Connecticut	15% variance between current income and the amount required under the guidelines.	Ask Support Enforcement Services (SES) to review, or file a motion for modification directly.	Not clearly stated; general IV-D child support services are free.
Delaware	A new order only issues if the guideline recalculation differs by 10% or more; petitions are eligible after 2.5 years (shorter than the federal 3-year standard) or with a substantial change.	Petition filed with Family Court, with help from the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS).	Not clearly stated.
District of Columbia	15% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.	Request a review and adjustment conference with the Child Support Services Division (CSSD); a motion to modify is then filed in D.C. Superior Court if needed.	Not clearly stated.
Florida	15% (minimum $50) if the order is under 3 years old; 10% (minimum $25) if it's older.	Ask the Child Support Program to review administratively, or file a petition in circuit court.	Not clearly stated.
Georgia	15% variance (minimum $25/month change).	Application for review and modification through DCSS; DCSS files the case with the court or an administrative law judge if contested.	$100 review application fee, waived for TANF/Medicaid recipients or very low income.
Hawaii	10% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.	Request review through the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), or petition family court directly.	Not clearly stated.
Idaho	No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; a change must generally be sustained for at least 6 months if requested outside the 3-year cycle.	Request a review from Idaho Child Support Services; the actual order can only be changed by the court.	Fees may apply; exact amount not clearly stated.
Illinois	20% change, as a general rule.	Free administrative review through Child Support Services (CSS), or petition the court directly.	Free through CSS; standard court fees apply for a direct petition.
Indiana	20% difference from the current guideline amount, if at least 12 months have passed since the order.	Modifications require a court order — the Title IV-D Prosecutor can file a Petition to Modify Support on a parent's behalf.	A general $55/year case fee applies (not modification-specific); court filing fees vary by county.
Iowa	20% difference for a standard review; a sustained 50%+ income change can trigger an earlier administrative modification.	Submit a "Request to Modify a Child Support Order" to Child Support Services, or file directly with the court.	No general fee; a service-of-process fee may apply if a party must be formally served.
Kansas	10% change to the child support worksheet amount.	The District Court Trustee's office or DCF can assist, but the order is changed through a court Motion to Modify.	No charge to apply for services; court filing fees vary by county.
Kentucky	15% change in the monthly support obligation.	Written request to the local Child Support Enforcement office, which files a legal action if the threshold is met.	A general $35/year service fee applies on non-TANF cases (not modification-specific).
Louisiana	25% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.	Request a review through DCFS (online, phone, mail, or the CAFÉ portal), or file directly with the court.	No DCFS fee for the review request; court fees vary by parish.
Maine	15% variance if the order is under 3 years old; any variance qualifies once the order is 3 years or older.	Request an Order Review from DHHS (for agency orders), or file a Motion to Modify in court.	Not clearly stated.
Maryland	No bright-line figure in statute; roughly a 25% income change is typically treated as material in practice.	Request a review from the Child Support Administration, or file a Motion to Modify (Form CC-DR-006) in circuit court.	$15 one-time application fee to open a new CSA case (waivable); court filing fees vary by county.
Massachusetts	No fixed percentage — support is modified if it's "inconsistent" with the current guidelines or there's a material and substantial change.	DOR Child Support Services can request a review, or a parent can file a Complaint for Modification in Probate and Family Court.	Free if DOR files; $55 filing fee plus $5 summons fee if a parent files directly.
Michigan	10% of the current order, or $50/month, whichever is greater.	Request a review from the Friend of the Court (FOC), or file a Motion Regarding Support (Form FOC 50).	No fee for the FOC review; court filing fees vary by county.
Minnesota	20% AND at least $75/month difference from the current order (a lower income-drop threshold also applies in some cases).	Request a review through the county child support office, or file a Motion to Modify Child Support.	$50 court filing fee.
Mississippi	No fixed percentage confirmed outside the 3-year cycle — evaluated case by case.	Request the 3-year review through MDHS, or file a petition in Chancery Court for changes outside that window.	$25 MDHS application fee, waived for SNAP/TANF/Medicaid recipients.
Missouri	20% change from the current guideline-based amount (a 50%+ sustained income change can trigger an earlier review).	Written request to the Family Support Division, or a Motion to Modify filed directly in circuit court.	Not clearly stated for the FSD review; standard circuit court filing fees apply for a motion.
Montana	30% income change is CSSD's example of a significant change justifying an early review.	Submit a Request for Review packet to CSSD, or file a modification motion with the District Court.	Not clearly stated.
Nebraska	10% change (minimum $25/month).	Apply for a review through DHHS's Review & Modification Unit, or file a Complaint for Modification directly in court.	Not clearly stated for the review itself; a general $35/year service fee applies separately.
Nevada	20% change in the paying parent's gross monthly income.	Administrative application through the county District Attorney's Family Support Division; the court enters the final order.	Free.
New Hampshire	No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; after 3 years, no change needs to be shown at all.	Support orders can only be changed by the court — file a Petition to Change Court Order; DCSS can assist but can't modify orders itself.	A court filing fee applies; a fee waiver is available.
New Jersey	No fixed percentage — New Jersey uses a general "changed circumstances" standard (Lepis v. Lepis).	A triennial administrative review through the Probation Child Support Enforcement Unit, or a motion filed in Family Division.	$25–$50 court motion fee; the administrative triennial review itself isn't stated to carry a fee.
New Mexico	20% change in the calculated support obligation (agency policy).	Administrative review through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD); a court hearing follows if the parents don't agree.	Free — New Mexico eliminated all child support program fees in July 2024.
New York	15% income change, or simply that 3 years have passed since the order.	File a modification petition in Family Court (Form 4-11); a separate cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) process runs administratively every 2 years.	Free — no filing fee for a Family Court modification petition.
North Carolina	15% variance, for orders that are at least 3 years old.	Request a review through NC Child Support Services, or file a motion in the cause showing changed circumstances.	Not clearly stated for the review itself; a general application fee (up to $25) and $35 annual fee apply separately.
North Dakota	Roughly a 15% variance in agency practice (recalculated amount below 85% or above 115% of the current order); a $50/month change for orders under 12 months old.	Request a review through ND Child Support, or file a motion directly with the district court.	Not clearly stated for the administrative review; a $160 filing fee applies for a direct court motion.
Ohio	10% variance between the current order and the recalculated amount.	Request a review from your local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), using form JFS 01849.	A nominal $1 application fee applies to opening CSEA services generally.
Oklahoma	20% change (minimum $30/month).	Written request to your Child Support Services caseworker; either party can appeal to district court within 30 days.	No fee for the review request itself; ongoing annual fees apply separately once support is collected.
Oregon	15% of the current guideline amount, or $50, whichever is LESS.	Submit a "Request for Review" packet to the Oregon Child Support Program — no court appearance required for most cases.	Free.
Pennsylvania	No fixed percentage — Pennsylvania uses a general "material and substantial change" standard.	File a petition for modification with your county Domestic Relations Section (DRS).	Free — the Domestic Relations Section isn't permitted to charge a filing fee.
Rhode Island	No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; a Motion for Review and Adjustment after 3 years doesn't require showing a change at all.	The Office of Child Support Services can file a modification motion on your behalf, or you can file as a self-represented party in Family Court.	Not clearly stated.
South Carolina	No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case based on each parent's financial position.	For DSS-enforced orders, write to DSS/Child Support Enforcement requesting a review; private orders require filing a modification motion in family court directly.	Free through DSS.
South Dakota	No fixed percentage — South Dakota applies its income-based guideline schedule; orders 3+ years old (for newer orders) don't need to show a change at all.	Only the Circuit Court can modify an order — file a Petition for Modification with the Division of Child Support.	$50 filing fee, waivable for those receiving certain public assistance.
Tennessee	15% variance between the current order and the recalculated amount.	Either parent can request a review at any time, handled judicially or administratively through the Department of Human Services.	Not clearly stated.
Texas	20% or $100, whichever is less, once the order is 3+ years old — or any material and substantial change, at any time.	Submit a Request for Review to the OAG Child Support Division, which can lead to an in-office negotiation (CSRP) or a court hearing.	Not clearly stated.
Utah	10% change if the order hasn't been modified in the last 3 years, or 15% if it has.	Submit a written request for "review and adjustment" to the Office of Recovery Services (ORS).	Not clearly stated.
Vermont	10% variance from the guideline amount.	File a motion with Family Court; the Office of Child Support can help prepare the request.	A court filing fee applies; a fee waiver is available.
Virginia	No fixed percentage confirmed — evaluated case by case.	Request a review through DCSE's MyChildSupport portal (for agency orders), or file a Motion to Amend for court orders.	Not clearly stated for modification; a general $35/year service fee applies separately.
Washington	15% (updated from 25% effective January 2026).	Email or call the Division of Child Support for an administrative order review, or go through the county prosecutor/court for a court order.	Not clearly stated for DCS review; standard court filing fees apply for a petition.
West Virginia	10% variance for orders 3+ years old, or a 15% income change at any time.	Request a review at your local Bureau for Child Support Enforcement office, or file a Petition for Modification directly in family court.	$85 court filing fee, waivable for those who can't afford it.
Wisconsin	No fixed percentage in statute — evaluated case by case (agencies often use roughly $50/month as an informal guide).	If both parents agree, file a Stipulation with the court; if not, request a free county agency review or file a contested Motion to Modify.	Free for an agreed stipulation or agency review; $30 filing fee for a contested court motion.
Wyoming	20% variance from the current order (or a general substantial change, at any time).	File a petition with the court; the Wyoming Child Support Program can help initiate this for cases it's already handling.	No application fee for Wyoming Child Support Program services; court filing fee not confirmed.

Alabama

Modification Threshold: 10% variance between the current order and the guideline amount creates a rebuttable presumption a modification is warranted.
How to Request: Administrative review through DHR, or a direct court petition (Form PS-02).
Fee: $5–$25 DHR application fee; court filing fee varies.

Alaska

Modification Threshold: 15% variance between the current order and the guideline amount is presumed a material change.
How to Request: CSSD review for agency-established orders; a Motion to Modify in court for court orders.
Fee: $75 court filing fee (often waived if both parents agree).

Arizona

Modification Threshold: 15%, or $50/month, whichever is less.
How to Request: DCSS administrative review (Form CSE-1178A) or a court petition.
Fee: Not clearly stated for DCSS review; standard court filing fees apply for a petition.

Arkansas

Modification Threshold: 20% change in either parent's gross income.
How to Request: OCSE administrative review, which files a court motion if the threshold is met.
Fee: $25 one-time application fee if not already an open case; additional legal-action charges if OCSE files in court.

California

Modification Threshold: 20%, or $50/month, whichever is less.
How to Request: Request a review and adjustment from your county Local Child Support Agency (LCSA), or go directly to court.
Fee: Free to request a review and adjustment through the LCSA.

Colorado

Modification Threshold: 10% change in the monthly support amount.
How to Request: Written review request to the county Child Support Services office, or a court motion (Form JDF 1403).
Fee: No fee for the administrative review; court filing fees apply for a motion.

Connecticut

Modification Threshold: 15% variance between current income and the amount required under the guidelines.
How to Request: Ask Support Enforcement Services (SES) to review, or file a motion for modification directly.
Fee: Not clearly stated; general IV-D child support services are free.

Delaware

Modification Threshold: A new order only issues if the guideline recalculation differs by 10% or more; petitions are eligible after 2.5 years (shorter than the federal 3-year standard) or with a substantial change.
How to Request: Petition filed with Family Court, with help from the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS).
Fee: Not clearly stated.

District of Columbia

Modification Threshold: 15% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.
How to Request: Request a review and adjustment conference with the Child Support Services Division (CSSD); a motion to modify is then filed in D.C. Superior Court if needed.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Florida

Modification Threshold: 15% (minimum $50) if the order is under 3 years old; 10% (minimum $25) if it's older.
How to Request: Ask the Child Support Program to review administratively, or file a petition in circuit court.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Georgia

Modification Threshold: 15% variance (minimum $25/month change).
How to Request: Application for review and modification through DCSS; DCSS files the case with the court or an administrative law judge if contested.
Fee: $100 review application fee, waived for TANF/Medicaid recipients or very low income.

Hawaii

Modification Threshold: 10% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.
How to Request: Request review through the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), or petition family court directly.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Idaho

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; a change must generally be sustained for at least 6 months if requested outside the 3-year cycle.
How to Request: Request a review from Idaho Child Support Services; the actual order can only be changed by the court.
Fee: Fees may apply; exact amount not clearly stated.

Illinois

Modification Threshold: 20% change, as a general rule.
How to Request: Free administrative review through Child Support Services (CSS), or petition the court directly.
Fee: Free through CSS; standard court fees apply for a direct petition.

Indiana

Modification Threshold: 20% difference from the current guideline amount, if at least 12 months have passed since the order.
How to Request: Modifications require a court order — the Title IV-D Prosecutor can file a Petition to Modify Support on a parent's behalf.
Fee: A general $55/year case fee applies (not modification-specific); court filing fees vary by county.

Iowa

Modification Threshold: 20% difference for a standard review; a sustained 50%+ income change can trigger an earlier administrative modification.
How to Request: Submit a "Request to Modify a Child Support Order" to Child Support Services, or file directly with the court.
Fee: No general fee; a service-of-process fee may apply if a party must be formally served.

Kansas

Modification Threshold: 10% change to the child support worksheet amount.
How to Request: The District Court Trustee's office or DCF can assist, but the order is changed through a court Motion to Modify.
Fee: No charge to apply for services; court filing fees vary by county.

Kentucky

Modification Threshold: 15% change in the monthly support obligation.
How to Request: Written request to the local Child Support Enforcement office, which files a legal action if the threshold is met.
Fee: A general $35/year service fee applies on non-TANF cases (not modification-specific).

Louisiana

Modification Threshold: 25% variance between the current order and the guideline amount.
How to Request: Request a review through DCFS (online, phone, mail, or the CAFÉ portal), or file directly with the court.
Fee: No DCFS fee for the review request; court fees vary by parish.

Maine

Modification Threshold: 15% variance if the order is under 3 years old; any variance qualifies once the order is 3 years or older.
How to Request: Request an Order Review from DHHS (for agency orders), or file a Motion to Modify in court.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Maryland

Modification Threshold: No bright-line figure in statute; roughly a 25% income change is typically treated as material in practice.
How to Request: Request a review from the Child Support Administration, or file a Motion to Modify (Form CC-DR-006) in circuit court.
Fee: $15 one-time application fee to open a new CSA case (waivable); court filing fees vary by county.

Massachusetts

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — support is modified if it's "inconsistent" with the current guidelines or there's a material and substantial change.
How to Request: DOR Child Support Services can request a review, or a parent can file a Complaint for Modification in Probate and Family Court.
Fee: Free if DOR files; $55 filing fee plus $5 summons fee if a parent files directly.

Michigan

Modification Threshold: 10% of the current order, or $50/month, whichever is greater.
How to Request: Request a review from the Friend of the Court (FOC), or file a Motion Regarding Support (Form FOC 50).
Fee: No fee for the FOC review; court filing fees vary by county.

Minnesota

Modification Threshold: 20% AND at least $75/month difference from the current order (a lower income-drop threshold also applies in some cases).
How to Request: Request a review through the county child support office, or file a Motion to Modify Child Support.
Fee: $50 court filing fee.

Mississippi

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage confirmed outside the 3-year cycle — evaluated case by case.
How to Request: Request the 3-year review through MDHS, or file a petition in Chancery Court for changes outside that window.
Fee: $25 MDHS application fee, waived for SNAP/TANF/Medicaid recipients.

Missouri

Modification Threshold: 20% change from the current guideline-based amount (a 50%+ sustained income change can trigger an earlier review).
How to Request: Written request to the Family Support Division, or a Motion to Modify filed directly in circuit court.
Fee: Not clearly stated for the FSD review; standard circuit court filing fees apply for a motion.

Montana

Modification Threshold: 30% income change is CSSD's example of a significant change justifying an early review.
How to Request: Submit a Request for Review packet to CSSD, or file a modification motion with the District Court.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Nebraska

Modification Threshold: 10% change (minimum $25/month).
How to Request: Apply for a review through DHHS's Review & Modification Unit, or file a Complaint for Modification directly in court.
Fee: Not clearly stated for the review itself; a general $35/year service fee applies separately.

Nevada

Modification Threshold: 20% change in the paying parent's gross monthly income.
How to Request: Administrative application through the county District Attorney's Family Support Division; the court enters the final order.
Fee: Free.

New Hampshire

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; after 3 years, no change needs to be shown at all.
How to Request: Support orders can only be changed by the court — file a Petition to Change Court Order; DCSS can assist but can't modify orders itself.
Fee: A court filing fee applies; a fee waiver is available.

New Jersey

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — New Jersey uses a general "changed circumstances" standard (Lepis v. Lepis).
How to Request: A triennial administrative review through the Probation Child Support Enforcement Unit, or a motion filed in Family Division.
Fee: $25–$50 court motion fee; the administrative triennial review itself isn't stated to carry a fee.

New Mexico

Modification Threshold: 20% change in the calculated support obligation (agency policy).
How to Request: Administrative review through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD); a court hearing follows if the parents don't agree.
Fee: Free — New Mexico eliminated all child support program fees in July 2024.

New York

Modification Threshold: 15% income change, or simply that 3 years have passed since the order.
How to Request: File a modification petition in Family Court (Form 4-11); a separate cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) process runs administratively every 2 years.
Fee: Free — no filing fee for a Family Court modification petition.

North Carolina

Modification Threshold: 15% variance, for orders that are at least 3 years old.
How to Request: Request a review through NC Child Support Services, or file a motion in the cause showing changed circumstances.
Fee: Not clearly stated for the review itself; a general application fee (up to $25) and $35 annual fee apply separately.

North Dakota

Modification Threshold: Roughly a 15% variance in agency practice (recalculated amount below 85% or above 115% of the current order); a $50/month change for orders under 12 months old.
How to Request: Request a review through ND Child Support, or file a motion directly with the district court.
Fee: Not clearly stated for the administrative review; a $160 filing fee applies for a direct court motion.

Ohio

Modification Threshold: 10% variance between the current order and the recalculated amount.
How to Request: Request a review from your local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), using form JFS 01849.
Fee: A nominal $1 application fee applies to opening CSEA services generally.

Oklahoma

Modification Threshold: 20% change (minimum $30/month).
How to Request: Written request to your Child Support Services caseworker; either party can appeal to district court within 30 days.
Fee: No fee for the review request itself; ongoing annual fees apply separately once support is collected.

Oregon

Modification Threshold: 15% of the current guideline amount, or $50, whichever is LESS.
How to Request: Submit a "Request for Review" packet to the Oregon Child Support Program — no court appearance required for most cases.
Fee: Free.

Pennsylvania

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — Pennsylvania uses a general "material and substantial change" standard.
How to Request: File a petition for modification with your county Domestic Relations Section (DRS).
Fee: Free — the Domestic Relations Section isn't permitted to charge a filing fee.

Rhode Island

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case; a Motion for Review and Adjustment after 3 years doesn't require showing a change at all.
How to Request: The Office of Child Support Services can file a modification motion on your behalf, or you can file as a self-represented party in Family Court.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

South Carolina

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — evaluated case by case based on each parent's financial position.
How to Request: For DSS-enforced orders, write to DSS/Child Support Enforcement requesting a review; private orders require filing a modification motion in family court directly.
Fee: Free through DSS.

South Dakota

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage — South Dakota applies its income-based guideline schedule; orders 3+ years old (for newer orders) don't need to show a change at all.
How to Request: Only the Circuit Court can modify an order — file a Petition for Modification with the Division of Child Support.
Fee: $50 filing fee, waivable for those receiving certain public assistance.

Tennessee

Modification Threshold: 15% variance between the current order and the recalculated amount.
How to Request: Either parent can request a review at any time, handled judicially or administratively through the Department of Human Services.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Texas

Modification Threshold: 20% or $100, whichever is less, once the order is 3+ years old — or any material and substantial change, at any time.
How to Request: Submit a Request for Review to the OAG Child Support Division, which can lead to an in-office negotiation (CSRP) or a court hearing.
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Utah

Modification Threshold: 10% change if the order hasn't been modified in the last 3 years, or 15% if it has.
How to Request: Submit a written request for "review and adjustment" to the Office of Recovery Services (ORS).
Fee: Not clearly stated.

Vermont

Modification Threshold: 10% variance from the guideline amount.
How to Request: File a motion with Family Court; the Office of Child Support can help prepare the request.
Fee: A court filing fee applies; a fee waiver is available.

Virginia

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage confirmed — evaluated case by case.
How to Request: Request a review through DCSE's MyChildSupport portal (for agency orders), or file a Motion to Amend for court orders.
Fee: Not clearly stated for modification; a general $35/year service fee applies separately.

Washington

Modification Threshold: 15% (updated from 25% effective January 2026).
How to Request: Email or call the Division of Child Support for an administrative order review, or go through the county prosecutor/court for a court order.
Fee: Not clearly stated for DCS review; standard court filing fees apply for a petition.

West Virginia

Modification Threshold: 10% variance for orders 3+ years old, or a 15% income change at any time.
How to Request: Request a review at your local Bureau for Child Support Enforcement office, or file a Petition for Modification directly in family court.
Fee: $85 court filing fee, waivable for those who can't afford it.

Wisconsin

Modification Threshold: No fixed percentage in statute — evaluated case by case (agencies often use roughly $50/month as an informal guide).
How to Request: If both parents agree, file a Stipulation with the court; if not, request a free county agency review or file a contested Motion to Modify.
Fee: Free for an agreed stipulation or agency review; $30 filing fee for a contested court motion.

Wyoming

Modification Threshold: 20% variance from the current order (or a general substantial change, at any time).
How to Request: File a petition with the court; the Wyoming Child Support Program can help initiate this for cases it's already handling.
Fee: No application fee for Wyoming Child Support Program services; court filing fee not confirmed.

How to Modify a Child Support Order by State

How Modification Works, in General

The 3-Year Review Right

The "Substantial Change" Threshold

Administrative Review vs. Going to Court

Fees Are Usually Small or Waived

A modification changes the order going forward, not the past

Modification Rules by State

Helpful Resources

Calculator & Guidelines

When Support Ends

Interstate Cases