How to change child support in Massachusetts

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 may be changed if it is inconsistent with the amount the guidelines would give now, if health coverage changes (no longer available, no longer reasonable in cost, or newly available), or after any other material and substantial change in circumstances (2025 Guidelines, Section III; G.L. c.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Complaint for Modification (CJD 104)

When you can ask for a change in Massachusetts

An order may be changed if it is inconsistent with the amount the guidelines would give now, if health coverage changes (no longer available, no longer reasonable in cost, or newly available), or after any other material and substantial change in circumstances (2025 Guidelines, Section III; G.L. c.

Law: 208, §28); G.L. c. 208, §28; Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Section III

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Massachusetts's rule: An order may be changed if it is inconsistent with the amount the guidelines would give now, if health coverage changes (no longer available, no longer reasonable in cost, or newly available), or after any other material and substantial change in circumstances (2025 Guidelines, Section III; G.L. c.

Law: 208, §28); G.L. c. 208, §28; Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Section III

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 Massachusetts: If DOR provides full services on your case, ask DOR to request a change (mail the forms and proof of income or benefits; DOR decides whether to go to court). Otherwise file a Complaint for Modification (CJD 104) in the Probate and Family Court in the county where the order was made. There is a filing fee unless DOR files.

How a change is made in Massachusetts

If DOR provides full services on your case, ask DOR to request a change (mail the forms and proof of income or benefits; DOR decides whether to go to court). Otherwise file a Complaint for Modification (CJD 104) in the Probate and Family Court in the county where the order was made. There is a filing fee unless DOR files.

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

What changed in 2024–2026 in Massachusetts

New 2025 Child Support Guidelines took effect December 1, 2025, after the 2024-2025 quadrennial review. Among other changes, the low-income thresholds rose to $301 and $391 a week (100% and 130% of the poverty level) and the guidelines now apply up to $450,000 in combined income.

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

What to do now in Massachusetts

  1. Get the order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    The rule in Massachusetts: An order may be changed if it is inconsistent with the amount the guidelines would give now, if health coverage changes (no longer available, no longer reasonable in cost, or newly available), or after any other material and substantial change in circumstances (2025 Guidelines, Section III; G.L. c.

  3. Collect papers

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

  4. Send your request

    Contact Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), Child Support Services Division ((800) 332-2733) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Legal aid can help for free: MassLegalHelp.

Where to get free help in Massachusetts

Questions about changing support in Massachusetts

When can child support be changed in Massachusetts?

An order may be changed if it is inconsistent with the amount the guidelines would give now, if health coverage changes (no longer available, no longer reasonable in cost, or newly available), or after any other material and substantial change in circumstances (2025 Guidelines, Section III; G.L. c.

Where do I file to change support in Massachusetts?

If DOR provides full services on your case, ask DOR to request a change (mail the forms and proof of income or benefits; DOR decides whether to go to court). Otherwise file a Complaint for Modification (CJD 104) in the Probate and Family Court in the county where the order was made. There is a filing fee unless DOR files.

Related Massachusetts pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources