How to change child support in Indiana

The rule for changing support, the forms, and a ready letter to the agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. An order can be changed if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes it unreasonable, or if the order is at least 12 months old and the guideline amount now differs from it by more than 20% (Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1).

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Indiana Legal Help self-help court forms (modification)

When you can ask for a change in Indiana

An order can be changed if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes it unreasonable, or if the order is at least 12 months old and the guideline amount now differs from it by more than 20% (Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1).

Law: Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Indiana's rule: An order can be changed if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes it unreasonable, or if the order is at least 12 months old and the guideline amount now differs from it by more than 20% (Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1).

Law: Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1

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 Indiana: Either parent can file a petition to modify in court, or ask the county prosecutor's child support (Title IV-D) office to review the order. The IV-D office must review TANF cases every 3 years. If one of several children is emancipated, support does not drop automatically; you must ask for a modification.

How to ask for a change in Indiana

Either parent can file a petition to modify in court, or ask the county prosecutor's child support (Title IV-D) office to review the order. The IV-D office must review TANF cases every 3 years. If one of several children is emancipated, support does not drop automatically; you must ask for a modification.

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

Recent changes in Indiana

Updated guidelines took effect January 1, 2024, after the 2023 review, including a new Weekly Support Schedule and changes to the health care rules (Guideline 7, effective January 1, 2024). The rules page also shows an update effective May 14, 2024.

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 Indiana

  1. Find your order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Compare with the rule

    In Indiana: An order can be changed if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes it unreasonable, or if the order is at least 12 months old and the guideline amount now differs from it by more than 20% (Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1).

  3. Gather proof

    Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.

  4. File the request

    Request a review from Indiana Department of Child Services, Child Support Bureau (1-800-840-8757) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Ask for free help: Indiana Legal Help and Indiana Legal Services.

Where to get free help in Indiana

Questions about changing support in Indiana

How often can I ask for a change in Indiana?

An order can be changed if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes it unreasonable, or if the order is at least 12 months old and the guideline amount now differs from it by more than 20% (Ind. Child Support Guideline 4; IC 31-16-8-1).

Where do I file to change support in Indiana?

Either parent can file a petition to modify in court, or ask the county prosecutor's child support (Title IV-D) office to review the order. The IV-D office must review TANF cases every 3 years. If one of several children is emancipated, support does not drop automatically; you must ask for a modification.

Related Indiana pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources