Filing a motion to modify child support

If either parent has a change in income, medical coverage, or other circumstances, the child support order may be modified. Court-ordered child support obligations can be changed only by the court. A motion to modify the support amount must be served and filed with the court. The court may approve or deny the modification.

Filing a motion to modify child support can be done by either parent. This option can be used instead of a request to the county, or if the county is unable to assist with a modification of your child support.

Read the Changing orders web page for information about:

• Criteria for changing an order
• Help available through the child support office
• Important information about court hearings

• You may be able to have your case heard more quickly
• The county child support office cannot help you
• You do not want to ask for a review through the county child support office.

• Child Support ezDocs is an interactive, online tool parents can use to complete pro se forms to ask the court to change a child support order.
• Court forms are available at county court administrator offices or the Minnesota Judicial Branch's website. Forms include step-by-step instructions. The site's self-help center also has videos and tutorials on how to file a motion in family court, family law and other topics.
• Some counties have self-help centers for people who represent themselves in court. For more information, contact the court administration office in the county where your support order is filed.