Modify Child Support - Minnesota Court Forms and Information

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Minnesota Courts

What is Child Support Modification?

Modification means changing an existing court order. Either parent can ask for a change in child support by filing a motion in court to modify their child support order.

When can I modify my child support order?

You can file a motion to modify at any time, but the court only sees certain things as reasons to modify a child support order.

A judge or magistrate needs to see if there has been a "substantial change" in the needs of the child or parents’ finances that makes the order you have unfair.

You may be able to get a modification if:

There is a change of at least 20% in the gross income of the parent who pays the support
There is a change in the number of joint children supported by the parent who pays the support
A parent starts getting public assistance
There is a large change in child care costs
There is a change in availability of medical or dental coverage
A joint child becomes disabled
Both parties agree to change (modify) the order

Filing a Motion to Modify Child Support

You do not need a lawyer to modify your support order. You can file a Motion to Modify Support by yourself. You can get the forms:

At a Self-Help Center. To find a Self-Help Center go to the court’s Self-Help Page or call (651) 435-6535,

OR
Get the forms online from the court's Child Support Modification Forms Page.

Forms on the Courts website are organized in "packets" and by individual forms. Packets include form instructions and all modification forms. You won’t need all the forms. If you are not sure what form you need, read the form instructions in the Packet to find the right forms for your case. Then download each form in the packet as you need it.

Notice about Fillable Smart Forms
Some Minnesota court forms are “Fillable Smart Forms.” For information and help using Fillable Smart Forms, see Technical Support.