How to change child support in Kansas

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. Within 3 years of the original order or the last change, the court can change support only if there is a material change in circumstances.

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

When Kansas allows a change

Within 3 years of the original order or the last change, the court can change support only if there is a material change in circumstances. After 3 years, no material change needs to be shown. A material change includes a 10% increase or decrease in the support amount, a child moving into a different age group, or a child's emancipation.

Law: K.S.A. 23-3005(a)

Source: CSS Policy Manual

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Kansas's rule: Within 3 years of the original order or the last change, the court can change support only if there is a material change in circumstances. After 3 years, no material change needs to be shown. A material change includes a 10% increase or decrease in the support amount, a child moving into a different age group, or a child's emancipation.

Law: K.S.A. 23-3005(a)

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 Kansas: Every 3 years you can ask CSS to review the case; ask for a modification packet at 1-888-757-2445. Or file a motion to modify in district court. A change can be made retroactive to the first day of the month after the motion is filed.

How to ask for a change in Kansas

Every 3 years you can ask CSS to review the case; ask for a modification packet at 1-888-757-2445. Or file a motion to modify in district court. A change can be made retroactive to the first day of the month after the motion is filed.

Law: K.S.A. 23-3005(b)

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

New rules in Kansas

New Kansas Supreme Court Child Support Guidelines took effect May 1, 2025. A 2025 law lets a court order support for an unborn child: a judgment for the mother's direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses, counted from conception.

Law: L. 2025, ch. 112, effective July 1, 2025; K.S.A. 20-165(c)-(d), 23-3001(c)

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

Your next steps in Kansas

  1. Read your current order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. Compare with the rule

    The rule in Kansas: Within 3 years of the original order or the last change, the court can change support only if there is a material change in circumstances.

  3. Gather proof

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

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Request a review from Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Support Services (CSS) (1-888-757-2445) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Kansas Legal Services.

Free legal help in Kansas

Questions about changing support in Kansas

How often can I ask for a change in Kansas?

Within 3 years of the original order or the last change, the court can change support only if there is a material change in circumstances. After 3 years, no material change needs to be shown. A material change includes a 10% increase or decrease in the support amount, a child moving into a different age group, or a child's emancipation.

How do I ask to change child support in Kansas?

Every 3 years you can ask CSS to review the case; ask for a modification packet at 1-888-757-2445. Or file a motion to modify in district court. A change can be made retroactive to the first day of the month after the motion is filed.

Related Kansas pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources