How to change child support in North Carolina

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. An order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the order is at least three years old, a difference of 15% or more between the current order and the new guideline amount is presumed to be a substantial change.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Motion and Notice of Hearing for Modification of Child Support Order, AOC-CV-600

The rule for changing support in North Carolina

An order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the order is at least three years old, a difference of 15% or more between the current order and the new guideline amount is presumed to be a substantial change. Needing to provide for the child's health care is also a substantial change. Incarceration is not treated as voluntary unemployment.

Law: N.C.G.S. 50-13.7; NC Child Support Guidelines (2023), 'Modification'

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

North Carolina's rule: An order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the order is at least three years old, a difference of 15% or more between the current order and the new guideline amount is presumed to be a substantial change. Needing to provide for the child's health care is also a substantial change. Incarceration is not treated as voluntary unemployment.

Law: N.C.G.S. 50-13.7; NC Child Support Guidelines (2023), 'Modification'

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 North Carolina: If you have a CSS case, ask your caseworker; CSS reviews public assistance cases automatically every three years and other cases on request (or any time there is a substantial change). Otherwise file a Motion and Notice of Hearing for Modification of Child Support Order (AOC-CV-600) in district court; a judge holds a hearing.

How a change is made in North Carolina

If you have a CSS case, ask your caseworker; CSS reviews public assistance cases automatically every three years and other cases on request (or any time there is a substantial change). Otherwise file a Motion and Notice of Hearing for Modification of Child Support Order (AOC-CV-600) in district court; a judge holds a hearing.

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 North Carolina

No guideline change took effect in 2024-2026: the guidelines effective January 1, 2023 are current, and the guidelines say the next review happens during 2026. A new version may apply to cases heard on or after January 1, 2027, so check the NC Judicial Branch guidelines page.

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

Steps to change support in North Carolina

  1. Read your current order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Compare with the rule

    In North Carolina: An order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances.

  3. Show the change

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

  4. File the request

    Request a review from NC DHHS Child Support Services (CSS), Division of Social Services (1-800-992-9457) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Free help: Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Where to get free help in North Carolina

Questions about changing support in North Carolina

How often can I ask for a change in North Carolina?

An order can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the order is at least three years old, a difference of 15% or more between the current order and the new guideline amount is presumed to be a substantial change. Needing to provide for the child's health care is also a substantial change. Incarceration is not treated as voluntary unemployment.

How do I request a review in North Carolina?

If you have a CSS case, ask your caseworker; CSS reviews public assistance cases automatically every three years and other cases on request (or any time there is a substantial change). Otherwise file a Motion and Notice of Hearing for Modification of Child Support Order (AOC-CV-600) in district court; a judge holds a hearing.

Related North Carolina pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources