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Parent Guide to Separation & Divorce

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How can I get the child support amount changed?

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You can ask to have the amount increased or lowered depending on your situation. In either case, you will need a new court order.

If you are the parent who is getting child support, you might get a new court order if there was a big change in your income, the other parent’s income, or if there were major changes in the child’s circumstances since the last order. For more information, visit CTLawHelp.org and read the legal aid article, Getting Child Support in Connecticut.

If you are the parent who is paying child support and your situation has changed, you can ask to have your payment lowered. The payment might go down if there was a big change in your income, the other parent’s income, or if there were major changes in the child’s circumstances. For more information, visit CTLawHelp.org and read the legal aid article, Paying Child Support in Connecticut.

There are a few ways you can ask for a change in the amount:

  • Get help from Support Enforcement Services (SES).
    Ask SES to look at your support order. You can get a form online at www.jud.ct.gov/childsupport or call the Child Support Hotline at 800-228-5437. SES will ask the court to change the order if it finds the court order is too low or too high.
  • Do it on your own.
    Ask the court to change the order. You will have to file papers in court asking for a Modification. You can get help at Court Service Centers, which are located in most courthouses. You can get a copy of How to Change Your Child Support Order at Court Service Centers or online at www.jud.ct.gov/childsupport.

The court can change the amount up or down, so you should talk with a lawyer first. Call the Children’s Law Line at 888-529-3667 for information.

Also see the child support section at CTLawHelp.org for more information and articles about Connecticut laws on child support.