How to change child support in Kentucky

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. Only when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing. If the guidelines applied to your current situation give a change of 15% or more in the monthly amount, that is presumed to be a material change; less than 15% is presumed not to be.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Uniform Child Support Order and/or Wage/Income Withholding Order (AOC-152)

When you can ask for a change in Kentucky

Only when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing. If the guidelines applied to your current situation give a change of 15% or more in the monthly amount, that is presumed to be a material change; less than 15% is presumed not to be. A change only applies to payments due after the motion is filed.

Law: KRS 403.213(1)-(2)

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Kentucky's rule: Only when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing. If the guidelines applied to your current situation give a change of 15% or more in the monthly amount, that is presumed to be a material change; less than 15% is presumed not to be. A change only applies to payments due after the motion is filed.

Law: KRS 403.213(1)-(2)

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 Kentucky: Ask the Department of Child Support Services for a review (either parent can ask; you must give income, health insurance, child care and other support information), or file a motion to modify in the court that made the order.

Asking for a review in Kentucky

Ask the Department of Child Support Services for a review (either parent can ask; you must give income, health insurance, child care and other support information), or file a motion to modify in the court that made the order.

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

Recent changes in Kentucky

2024 Ky. Acts ch. 219 created a shared parenting time credit and amended the guidelines, which now include a $915 self-support reserve and a $60 minimum. On July 1, 2025, the child support program moved to the Office of the Attorney General.

Law: KRS 403.2122, effective July 15, 2024; KRS 403.212, effective July 1, 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

Steps to change support in Kentucky

  1. Find your order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. Compare with the rule

    In Kentucky: Only when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing.

  3. Collect papers

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

  4. File the request

    Contact Department of Child Support Services, Office of the Attorney General ((800) 248-1163) · Apply online

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Ask for free help: KYJustice.org (Kentucky legal aid programs).

Where to get free help in Kentucky

Questions about changing support in Kentucky

When can child support be changed in Kentucky?

Only when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing. If the guidelines applied to your current situation give a change of 15% or more in the monthly amount, that is presumed to be a material change; less than 15% is presumed not to be. A change only applies to payments due after the motion is filed.

Where do I file to change support in Kentucky?

Ask the Department of Child Support Services for a review (either parent can ask; you must give income, health insurance, child care and other support information), or file a motion to modify in the court that made the order.

More for Kentucky

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources