How to change child support in Hawaii

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. You can ask the Family Court or CSEA for a review once every 3 years without showing a change in circumstances.

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

The rule for changing support in Hawaii

You can ask the Family Court or CSEA for a review once every 3 years without showing a change in circumstances. You can ask sooner if there is a substantial or material change. A material change is presumed if the guideline amount is at least 10% higher or lower than the current order. A new version of the guidelines can also be a reason to ask for a review.

Law: HRS 576D-7(d)-(e); HRS 576D-7(d)-(e); HRS ch. 576E (administrative process)

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Hawaii's rule: You can ask the Family Court or CSEA for a review once every 3 years without showing a change in circumstances. You can ask sooner if there is a substantial or material change. A material change is presumed if the guideline amount is at least 10% higher or lower than the current order. A new version of the guidelines can also be a reason to ask for a review.

Law: HRS 576D-7(d)-(e); HRS 576D-7(d)-(e); HRS ch. 576E (administrative process)

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 Hawaii: Go to Family Court, or ask CSEA in writing (you must have applied for CSEA services, unless you get TANF) and send current pay stubs or tax returns. CSEA sends a Notice of Child Support Review, then a proposed order or a Notice of No Support Change; either parent can ask for a hearing. The old order stays in effect until the new one is filed.

Asking for a review in Hawaii

Go to Family Court, or ask CSEA in writing (you must have applied for CSEA services, unless you get TANF) and send current pay stubs or tax returns. CSEA sends a Notice of Child Support Review, then a proposed order or a Notice of No Support Change; either parent can ask for a hearing. The old order stays in effect until the new one is filed.

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

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

Steps to change support in Hawaii

  1. Find your order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Check the rule

    Hawaii's rule: You can ask the Family Court or CSEA for a review once every 3 years without showing a change in circumstances.

  3. Collect papers

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Ask for a review with Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), Hawaii Department of the Attorney General ((808) 207-9915)

Free legal help in Hawaii

Questions about changing support in Hawaii

When can child support be changed in Hawaii?

You can ask the Family Court or CSEA for a review once every 3 years without showing a change in circumstances. You can ask sooner if there is a substantial or material change. A material change is presumed if the guideline amount is at least 10% higher or lower than the current order. A new version of the guidelines can also be a reason to ask for a review.

How do I request a review in Hawaii?

Go to Family Court, or ask CSEA in writing (you must have applied for CSEA services, unless you get TANF) and send current pay stubs or tax returns. CSEA sends a Notice of Child Support Review, then a proposed order or a Notice of No Support Change; either parent can ask for a hearing. The old order stays in effect until the new one is filed.

Keep reading about Hawaii

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources