How to change child support in Alabama

When a change is allowed, how to ask the agency or the court, and a free letter to ask for a review.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. A change is presumed when the guideline amount differs from the current order by more than 10%. The court can also change support for a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing, even below 10%.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
CS-10 Modification Petition for Support

When Alabama allows a change

A change is presumed when the guideline amount differs from the current order by more than 10%. The court can also change support for a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing, even below 10%. A new guideline by itself is not a reason to change an order. DHR reviews an order once every 36 months unless there is a major change, such as a windfall or a serious medical crisis.

Law: Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 32(A)(3)

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Alabama's rule: A change is presumed when the guideline amount differs from the current order by more than 10%. The court can also change support for a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing, even below 10%. A new guideline by itself is not a reason to change an order. DHR reviews an order once every 36 months unless there is a major change, such as a windfall or a serious medical crisis.

Law: Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 32(A)(3)

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Alabama: Ask DHR in writing for a review and say why the order should change; if a change is warranted, DHR prepares the papers and sets a court hearing. Or file a Modification Petition for Support (CS-10) with the court that issued the order, with forms CS-41 and CS-42.

How a change is made in Alabama

Ask DHR in writing for a review and say why the order should change; if a change is warranted, DHR prepares the papers and sets a court hearing. Or file a Modification Petition for Support (CS-10) with the court that issued the order, with forms CS-41 and CS-42.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

What changed in 2024–2026 in Alabama

No new guideline has taken effect since the June 1, 2023 shared-custody amendment. The Alabama Child Support Guidelines Committee held review meetings in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (most recently October 9, 2026); check the AOC review page for any new rule.

Incarceration and changes

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

What to do now in Alabama

  1. Read your current order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    Alabama's rule: A change is presumed when the guideline amount differs from the current order by more than 10%.

  3. Gather proof

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Ask for a review with Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Support Enforcement Division ((334) 242-9300) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Alabama

Questions about changing support in Alabama

How often can I ask for a change in Alabama?

A change is presumed when the guideline amount differs from the current order by more than 10%. The court can also change support for a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing, even below 10%. A new guideline by itself is not a reason to change an order. DHR reviews an order once every 36 months unless there is a major change, such as a windfall or a serious medical crisis.

How do I request a review in Alabama?

Ask DHR in writing for a review and say why the order should change; if a change is warranted, DHR prepares the papers and sets a court hearing. Or file a Modification Petition for Support (CS-10) with the court that issued the order, with forms CS-41 and CS-42.

Related Alabama pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources