How to change child support in Missouri

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. The court can change support only after a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. If applying Form 14 to current incomes changes support by 20% or more, that is a prima facie showing of such a change.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Missouri Child Support: Changing your support order (CS-9)

When you can ask for a change in Missouri

The court can change support only after a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. If applying Form 14 to current incomes changes support by 20% or more, that is a prima facie showing of such a change. In an FSD case, the order is modified to the guideline amount if it differs. A change applies only to payments due after the other parent is served.

Law: RSMo §452.370

Source: and the old amount was the Form 14 presumed amount

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Missouri's rule: The court can change support only after a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. If applying Form 14 to current incomes changes support by 20% or more, that is a prima facie showing of such a change. In an FSD case, the order is modified to the guideline amount if it differs. A change applies only to payments due after the other parent is served.

Law: RSMo §452.370

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 Missouri: Every 3 years you can ask FSD to review your order (sooner only with a specific reason). Mail or fax a written request to FSD and complete the Financial and Informational Statement. FSD sends a proposed modification; either parent has 30 days to request an administrative hearing. You can also file a motion to modify in circuit court.

How to ask for a change in Missouri

Every 3 years you can ask FSD to review your order (sooner only with a specific reason). Mail or fax a written request to FSD and complete the Financial and Informational Statement. FSD sends a proposed modification; either parent has 30 days to request an administrative hearing. You can also file a motion to modify in circuit court.

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

New rules in Missouri

The Missouri Supreme Court adopted a new Form 14 worksheet, directions and schedule of basic child support obligations by order of March 4, 2025, effective January 1, 2026. The schedule was updated to 2024 price levels and 2024 tax rates, and the self-support reserve reflects the 2024 federal poverty guideline.

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 Missouri

  1. Read your current order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. Compare with the rule

    In Missouri: The court can change support only after a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.

  3. Gather proof

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. File the request

    Contact Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division (FSD), Child Support Program (866-313-9960) · Apply online

Free help in Missouri

Questions about changing support in Missouri

How often can I ask for a change in Missouri?

The court can change support only after a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. If applying Form 14 to current incomes changes support by 20% or more, that is a prima facie showing of such a change. In an FSD case, the order is modified to the guideline amount if it differs. A change applies only to payments due after the other parent is served.

Where do I file to change support in Missouri?

Every 3 years you can ask FSD to review your order (sooner only with a specific reason). Mail or fax a written request to FSD and complete the Financial and Informational Statement. FSD sends a proposed modification; either parent has 30 days to request an administrative hearing. You can also file a motion to modify in circuit court.

More for Missouri

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources