How to change child support in Nebraska

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. A change is presumed justified when applying the guidelines would change support (or child care or health care obligations) by 10% or more, and at least $25, up or down, because of financial circumstances that have lasted 3 months and are expected to last 6 more months.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Worksheet: Modification of Child Support (DC 6:14.3)

The rule for changing support in Nebraska

A change is presumed justified when applying the guidelines would change support (or child care or health care obligations) by 10% or more, and at least $25, up or down, because of financial circumstances that have lasted 3 months and are expected to last 6 more months. In CSE cases, the agency normally reviews an order only after 3 years unless you show a substantial change of that kind; an incarcerated parent's order is reviewed when the parent will be in jail or prison more than 180 days.

Law: Neb. Ct. R. § 4-217; Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-512.12, 43-512.15

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Nebraska's rule: A change is presumed justified when applying the guidelines would change support (or child care or health care obligations) by 10% or more, and at least $25, up or down, because of financial circumstances that have lasted 3 months and are expected to last 6 more months. In CSE cases, the agency normally reviews an order only after 3 years unless you show a substantial change of that kind; an incarcerated parent's order is reviewed when the parent will be in jail or prison more than 180 days.

Law: Neb. Ct. R. § 4-217; Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-512.12, 43-512.15

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 Nebraska: If you have a CSE case, request a review and modification online or in writing (Child Support Enforcement, R&M Unit, PO Box 94728, Lincoln, NE 68509-4728); the review can take up to six months and the county attorney files the case in court. Or file your own Complaint for Modification of Child Support in district court with the self-help forms.

How to ask for a change in Nebraska

If you have a CSE case, request a review and modification online or in writing (Child Support Enforcement, R&M Unit, PO Box 94728, Lincoln, NE 68509-4728); the review can take up to six months and the county attorney files the case in court. Or file your own Complaint for Modification of Child Support in district court with the self-help forms.

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 Nebraska

The Nebraska Supreme Court updates the basic subsistence limitation in § 4-218 each year; it was last amended January 28, 2026, effective January 1, 2026 ($1,330 net monthly for one person).

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 Nebraska

  1. Find your order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    In Nebraska: A change is presumed justified when applying the guidelines would change support (or child care or health care obligations) by 10% or more, and at least $25, up or down, because of financial circumstances that have lasted 3 months and are expected to last 6 more months.

  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 Nebraska DHHS Child Support Enforcement (CSE) (1-877-631-9973) · Apply online

Free legal help in Nebraska

Questions about changing support in Nebraska

What counts as a reason to change support in Nebraska?

A change is presumed justified when applying the guidelines would change support (or child care or health care obligations) by 10% or more, and at least $25, up or down, because of financial circumstances that have lasted 3 months and are expected to last 6 more months. In CSE cases, the agency normally reviews an order only after 3 years unless you show a substantial change of that kind; an incarcerated parent's order is reviewed when the parent will be in jail or prison more than 180 days.

How do I request a review in Nebraska?

If you have a CSE case, request a review and modification online or in writing (Child Support Enforcement, R&M Unit, PO Box 94728, Lincoln, NE 68509-4728); the review can take up to six months and the county attorney files the case in court. Or file your own Complaint for Modification of Child Support in district court with the self-help forms.

More for Nebraska

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources