How to change child support in Mississippi

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. Through MDHS, you can ask for a review every three years from the date the order was entered or last changed, and no proof of a change is needed.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Custodial Parent Review Questionnaire

When Mississippi allows a change

Through MDHS, you can ask for a review every three years from the date the order was entered or last changed, and no proof of a change is needed. Inside the three years, you must show a substantial change in circumstances, such as a big change in the paying parent's income, the child's greater needs with age, or special health needs. Only a court can change the amount.

Law: MDHS Division of Child Support Enforcement review policy; Miss. Code Ann. §43-19-101

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Mississippi's rule: Through MDHS, you can ask for a review every three years from the date the order was entered or last changed, and no proof of a change is needed. Inside the three years, you must show a substantial change in circumstances, such as a big change in the paying parent's income, the child's greater needs with age, or special health needs. Only a court can change the amount.

Law: MDHS Division of Child Support Enforcement review policy; Miss. Code Ann. §43-19-101

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 Mississippi: Send MDHS a Custodial Parent Review Questionnaire or Non-custodial Parent Review Questionnaire, or file a petition to modify in chancery court.

How to ask for a change in Mississippi

Send MDHS a Custodial Parent Review Questionnaire or Non-custodial Parent Review Questionnaire, or file a petition to modify in chancery court.

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

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 Mississippi

  1. Read your current order

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

  2. Compare with the rule

    Mississippi's rule: Through MDHS, you can ask for a review every three years from the date the order was entered or last changed, and no proof of a change is needed.

  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 Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Child Support Enforcement (877-882-4916) · Apply online

Free help in Mississippi

Questions about changing support in Mississippi

When can child support be changed in Mississippi?

Through MDHS, you can ask for a review every three years from the date the order was entered or last changed, and no proof of a change is needed. Inside the three years, you must show a substantial change in circumstances, such as a big change in the paying parent's income, the child's greater needs with age, or special health needs. Only a court can change the amount.

How do I request a review in Mississippi?

Send MDHS a Custodial Parent Review Questionnaire or Non-custodial Parent Review Questionnaire, or file a petition to modify in chancery court.

Keep reading about Mississippi

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources