Child Support Law
The two ways child support orders can be changed are through modification and through costofliving adjustments.
Modification
Either parent may request, in writing, that the child support office review the support order. The request should state reasons for the review. County child support office staff determines whether the existing order meets review requirements. If it does, the staff will complete the review and present the modification request to the court. If the requirements for a review are not met, the county child support office notifies the parent who requested the review. If the parent still wants a review, the parent can file a motion asking the court to review the order.
Support orders may be changed if there is:
There is a substantial change in circumstances if:
The current order is for a percentage of income, not a fixed dollar amount. The court may also change support orders if there are:
Cost of living adjustments
Since 1983, most Minnesota child support orders have stated that a cost of living adjustment must be done every two years.
If a child support office is collecting child support, it takes the necessary steps to obtain the cost of living adjustment in the child support order. Unless the noncustodial parent disagrees with the action, this adjustment automatically happens every other year on May 1.