How to change child support in Louisiana

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. The person asking must show a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing since the last order.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
DCFS: Child Support Modification Process (Request for Review)

When Louisiana allows a change

The person asking must show a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing since the last order. In cases where DCFS provides services, a change of at least 25% under the guidelines is presumed to be a material change. Past-due support alone is not a reason to lower support. Support is suspended by law while the paying parent is incarcerated for 180 days or more.

Law: La. R.S. 9:311, 9:311.1; La. R.S. 9:311; La. R.S. 9:311.1

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Louisiana's rule: The person asking must show a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing since the last order. In cases where DCFS provides services, a change of at least 25% under the guidelines is presumed to be a material change. Past-due support alone is not a reason to lower support. Support is suspended by law while the paying parent is incarcerated for 180 days or more.

Law: La. R.S. 9:311, 9:311.1; La. R.S. 9:311; La. R.S. 9:311.1

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 Louisiana: If DCFS handles your case, ask for a review: use the online Request for Review, message your worker in the LA CAFÉ portal, call 1-877-752-3237, or mail the Request for Review form to DCFS Document Processing Center / Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 260032, Baton Rouge, LA 70826. DCFS can ask the court for a change if the order is more than three years old, would change by at least 25%, or there has been a material and substantial change. You can also file a motion (a "rule") to modify in the court that made the order.

How to ask for a change in Louisiana

If DCFS handles your case, ask for a review: use the online Request for Review, message your worker in the LA CAFÉ portal, call 1-877-752-3237, or mail the Request for Review form to DCFS Document Processing Center / Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 260032, Baton Rouge, LA 70826. DCFS can ask the court for a change if the order is more than three years old, would change by at least 25%, or there has been a material and substantial change. You can also file a motion (a "rule") 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

New rules in Louisiana

Acts 2024, No. 86 replaced the support schedule effective January 1, 2025. Acts 2024, No. 448 (effective January 1, 2025) added support for adult disabled children and new pleading rules.

Law: La. R.S. 9:315.19; R.S. 9:315.22.1; R.S. 9:315.14

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 Louisiana

  1. Get the order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    In Louisiana: The person asking must show a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing since the last order.

  3. Collect papers

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

  4. File the request

    Ask for a review with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Support Enforcement (1-877-752-3237) · Apply online

Free help in Louisiana

Questions about changing support in Louisiana

How often can I ask for a change in Louisiana?

The person asking must show a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing since the last order. In cases where DCFS provides services, a change of at least 25% under the guidelines is presumed to be a material change. Past-due support alone is not a reason to lower support. Support is suspended by law while the paying parent is incarcerated for 180 days or more.

How do I request a review in Louisiana?

If DCFS handles your case, ask for a review: use the online Request for Review, message your worker in the LA CAFÉ portal, call 1-877-752-3237, or mail the Request for Review form to DCFS Document Processing Center / Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 260032, Baton Rouge, LA 70826. DCFS can ask the court for a change if the order is more than three years old, would change by at least 25%, or there has been a material and substantial change. You can also file a motion (a "rule") to modify in the court that made the order.

Related Louisiana pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources