File a Petition 

FILE A PETITION TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT 

1. Ask the child support office how to file a petition: Each county will have slightly different forms or processes to follow.

2. Request a “telephonic hearing” if you can’t be there in person: You do not need to be present in person for this process. You have a right to a hearing by telephone for those cases where you cannot easily reach the office in person.

3. Begin gathering paperwork to support your application: This usually includes paystubs, tax forms, documents related to your unemployment, or release papers that show the time you were incarcerated and unable to earn an income. 

4. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t answer every question: Some petition forms may ask you for things that could be hard to gather, like multiple years of tax returns. If you don’t have some of the items don’t get discouraged!