How to change child support in Arizona

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. You must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A new worksheet amount that differs by 15% or more from the current order counts as that change and lets you use the simplified process; adding or changing health insurance can also qualify.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Change Child Support - Simplified Process (Maricopa County)

The rule for changing support in Arizona

You must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A new worksheet amount that differs by 15% or more from the current order counts as that change and lets you use the simplified process; adding or changing health insurance can also qualify. In a DCSS case, either party can ask for a review every 3 years without showing a change. A change usually starts the first day of the month after the other side gets notice; past-due amounts cannot be changed.

Law: A.R.S. 25-503(E), (G)-(H); Arizona Child Support Guidelines Section XIV

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Arizona's rule: You must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A new worksheet amount that differs by 15% or more from the current order counts as that change and lets you use the simplified process; adding or changing health insurance can also qualify. In a DCSS case, either party can ask for a review every 3 years without showing a change. A change usually starts the first day of the month after the other side gets notice; past-due amounts cannot be changed.

Law: A.R.S. 25-503(E), (G)-(H); Arizona Child Support Guidelines Section XIV

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 Arizona: File a Petition to Modify Child Support with the Superior Court, using the simplified process (15% or more) or the standard process, or an Agreement to Modify Child Support signed by both parents. In a DCSS case you can ask DCSS for a review.

How to ask for a change in Arizona

File a Petition to Modify Child Support with the Superior Court, using the simplified process (15% or more) or the standard process, or an Agreement to Modify Child Support signed by both parents. In a DCSS case you can ask DCSS for a review.

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

New rules in Arizona

The current guidelines took effect January 1, 2022. On May 6, 2026, the Arizona Supreme Court created a new Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee (Admin. Order 2026-54) to do the quadrennial review; its work is scheduled to end in April 2027.

Jail, prison and support

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

Your next steps in Arizona

  1. Get the order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. Compare with the rule

    The rule in Arizona: You must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A new worksheet amount that differs by 15% or more from the current order counts as that change and lets you use the simplified process; adding or changing health insurance can also qualify.

  3. Show the change

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. Send your request

    Ask for a review with Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: AZLawHelp.org (legal aid) and Community Legal Services.

Free legal help in Arizona

Questions about changing support in Arizona

When can child support be changed in Arizona?

You must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A new worksheet amount that differs by 15% or more from the current order counts as that change and lets you use the simplified process; adding or changing health insurance can also qualify. In a DCSS case, either party can ask for a review every 3 years without showing a change. A change usually starts the first day of the month after the other side gets notice; past-due amounts cannot be changed.

How do I request a review in Arizona?

File a Petition to Modify Child Support with the Superior Court, using the simplified process (15% or more) or the standard process, or an Agreement to Modify Child Support signed by both parents. In a DCSS case you can ask DCSS for a review.

Related Arizona pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources