How to change child support in Arkansas

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. Either parent can get a review at least every three years. A review sooner is possible if the paying parent's gross income has changed by 20% or more per month.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)

When Arkansas allows a change

Either parent can get a review at least every three years. A review sooner is possible if the paying parent's gross income has changed by 20% or more per month. A difference between the current order and the Family Support Chart amount is a material change of circumstances. Losing a job does not change support by itself.

Law: Ark. Code Ann. 9-14-107(c)(2); Ark. Code Ann. 9-14-107; Admin. Order No. 10, Section II.1

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Arkansas's rule: Either parent can get a review at least every three years. A review sooner is possible if the paying parent's gross income has changed by 20% or more per month. A difference between the current order and the Family Support Chart amount is a material change of circumstances. Losing a job does not change support by itself.

Law: Ark. Code Ann. 9-14-107(c)(2); Ark. Code Ann. 9-14-107; Admin. Order No. 10, Section II.1

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 Arkansas: With an open OCSE enforcement case, ask your local child support office in writing for a review; OCSE files the change in court, because every change must be signed by a judge. Without an OCSE case, file a petition to modify in circuit court (usually with a lawyer) or apply for OCSE services.

Asking for a review in Arkansas

With an open OCSE enforcement case, ask your local child support office in writing for a review; OCSE files the change in court, because every change must be signed by a judge. Without an OCSE case, file a petition to modify in circuit court (usually with a lawyer) or apply for OCSE services.

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

Recent changes in Arkansas

No change to Administrative Order No. 10 since the October 6, 2022 revision (Arkansas Supreme Court list of amendments, current through December 15, 2025).

If a parent is in jail or prison

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 Arkansas

  1. Read your current order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    Arkansas's rule: Either parent can get a review at least every three years. A review sooner is possible if the paying parent's gross income has changed by 20% or more per month.

  3. Show the change

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. Send your request

    Ask for a review with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) (501-371-5349) · Apply online

Free legal help in Arkansas

Questions about changing support in Arkansas

What counts as a reason to change support in Arkansas?

Either parent can get a review at least every three years. A review sooner is possible if the paying parent's gross income has changed by 20% or more per month. A difference between the current order and the Family Support Chart amount is a material change of circumstances. Losing a job does not change support by itself.

How do I request a review in Arkansas?

With an open OCSE enforcement case, ask your local child support office in writing for a review; OCSE files the change in court, because every change must be signed by a judge. Without an OCSE case, file a petition to modify in circuit court (usually with a lawyer) or apply for OCSE services.

Related Arkansas pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources