How to change child support in Virginia

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 court can change support when there has been a material change in circumstances. In a DCSE review, a material change exists if the guideline amount differs from the current order by at least 10% and at least $25 a month.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
DCSE Review & Adjustment Online Packet

The rule for changing support in Virginia

A court can change support when there has been a material change in circumstances. In a DCSE review, a material change exists if the guideline amount differs from the current order by at least 10% and at least $25 a month. DCSE says most orders can be reviewed every 3 years. A change can only apply from the date the other parent got notice of the request; past-due support cannot be reduced retroactively.

Law: Va. Code 20-108, 63.2-1921

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Virginia's rule: A court can change support when there has been a material change in circumstances. In a DCSE review, a material change exists if the guideline amount differs from the current order by at least 10% and at least $25 a month. DCSE says most orders can be reviewed every 3 years. A change can only apply from the date the other parent got notice of the request; past-due support cannot be reduced retroactively.

Law: Va. Code 20-108, 63.2-1921

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 Virginia: Ask DCSE for a review and adjustment (Review & Adjustment packet), or file a petition or motion to modify support in the court that has the case (usually the juvenile and domestic relations district court).

How to ask for a change in Virginia

Ask DCSE for a review and adjustment (Review & Adjustment packet), or file a petition or motion to modify support in the court that has the case (usually the juvenile and domestic relations district court).

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

Recent changes in Virginia

Chapter 702 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly (Senate Bill 805) updated the amounts in the schedule of basic child support obligations in Va. Code 20-108.2; the Child Support Guidelines Review Panel's December 2025 report (RD1035) recommended no further schedule changes. Va. Code 20-108 (modification) was amended in 2024 (cc. 22, 817). In 2026 the U.S. State Department began revoking existing passports (not only denying new ones) of parents with large child support debts, starting at $100,000 owed in May 2026 and lowered in steps to $15,000 by September 28, 2026.

Source: DCSE FAQ

If a parent is in jail or prison

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 Virginia

  1. Read your current order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Compare with the rule

    The rule in Virginia: A court can change support when there has been a material change in circumstances.

  3. Gather proof

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Ask for a review with Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), Virginia Department of Social Services (1-800-468-8894) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Virginia Legal Aid (ValegalAid.org).

Where to get free help in Virginia

Questions about changing support in Virginia

What counts as a reason to change support in Virginia?

A court can change support when there has been a material change in circumstances. In a DCSE review, a material change exists if the guideline amount differs from the current order by at least 10% and at least $25 a month. DCSE says most orders can be reviewed every 3 years. A change can only apply from the date the other parent got notice of the request; past-due support cannot be reduced retroactively.

Where do I file to change support in Virginia?

Ask DCSE for a review and adjustment (Review & Adjustment packet), or file a petition or motion to modify support in the court that has the case (usually the juvenile and domestic relations district court).

Keep reading about Virginia

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources