How to change child support in Maryland

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 court can change support after a motion is filed and you show a material change of circumstance.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Petition to Modify Child Support (CC-DR-006)

When you can ask for a change in Maryland

The court can change support after a motion is filed and you show a material change of circumstance. It can't go back before the date the motion was filed. A new guideline revision by itself is not a material change. Incarceration can be a material change if it sufficiently reduces the parent's ability to pay.

Law: Md. Code, Fam. Law §§12-104, 12-202(d); Md. Code, Family Law §12-104

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Maryland's rule: The court can change support after a motion is filed and you show a material change of circumstance. It can't go back before the date the motion was filed. A new guideline revision by itself is not a material change. Incarceration can be a material change if it sufficiently reduces the parent's ability to pay.

Law: Md. Code, Fam. Law §§12-104, 12-202(d); Md. Code, Family Law §12-104

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 Maryland: File a Petition to Modify Child Support (CC-DR-006) with a Financial Statement in circuit court, or contact your local child support office, which has a modification packet.

How a change is made in Maryland

File a Petition to Modify Child Support (CC-DR-006) with a Financial Statement in circuit court, or contact your local child support office, which has a modification packet.

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

Recent changes in Maryland

Effective October 1, 2025: driver's license referral now requires 120 days out of compliance (was 60) and parents at or below 250% of the federal poverty level are exempt unless support was based on imputed income; and the Multifamily Adjustment law lets the court deduct an allowance for other children living in a parent's home more than 92 overnights a year (75% of the guideline amount for that child), but not when support is based on imputed income.

Law: HB 275 / SB 1038

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

Steps to change support in Maryland

  1. Find your order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. Compare with the rule

    Maryland's rule: The court can change support after a motion is filed and you show a material change of circumstance.

  3. Gather proof

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

  4. Send your request

    Contact Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration (CSA) (1-800-332-6347) · Apply online

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Free help: Maryland Legal Aid.

Free help in Maryland

Questions about changing support in Maryland

How often can I ask for a change in Maryland?

The court can change support after a motion is filed and you show a material change of circumstance. It can't go back before the date the motion was filed. A new guideline revision by itself is not a material change. Incarceration can be a material change if it sufficiently reduces the parent's ability to pay.

How do I ask to change child support in Maryland?

File a Petition to Modify Child Support (CC-DR-006) with a Financial Statement in circuit court, or contact your local child support office, which has a modification packet.

Related Maryland pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources