How to change child support in Wisconsin

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. Only a court can change an order. The child support agency will review an order if a parent asks and it has not been reviewed in 3 years.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
FA-604A Stipulation to Change: Custody, Placement, Support, Maintenance, Arrears Payment

When Wisconsin allows a change

Only a court can change an order. The child support agency will review an order if a parent asks and it has not been reviewed in 3 years. Sooner, there must be a substantial change in circumstances, such as a pay change that would move support by more than $50 a month or a change in the child's placement. A change may be made if the order does not follow the percentage standard, lacks medical support, or would change by $50 or more a month. Reviews are not done if the paying parent voluntarily reduced income.

Law: Wis. Stat. 767.59

Source: DCF Reviewing a Court Order page

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Wisconsin's rule: Only a court can change an order. The child support agency will review an order if a parent asks and it has not been reviewed in 3 years. Sooner, there must be a substantial change in circumstances, such as a pay change that would move support by more than $50 a month or a change in the child's placement. A change may be made if the order does not follow the percentage standard, lacks medical support, or would change by $50 or more a month. Reviews are not done if the paying parent voluntarily reduced income.

Law: Wis. Stat. 767.59

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 Wisconsin: Ask your local child support agency for a free review (up to 180 days); if both parents agree, file a Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment (no filing fee); or file your own motion to modify with the County Clerk of Court ($30 filing fee if it needs a court date).

How to ask for a change in Wisconsin

Ask your local child support agency for a free review (up to 180 days); if both parents agree, file a Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment (no filing fee); or file your own motion to modify with the County Clerk of Court ($30 filing fee if it needs a court date).

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

Recent changes in Wisconsin

DCF 150 (the Child Support Standard) was revised effective January 1, 2024: new rules on imputing income based on a parent's ability to earn (including factors such as education, earnings history and incarceration; incarceration is not treated as voluntary unemployment), clearer equivalent-care rules for shared placement, and a clarified serial-family formula. DCF began its next quadrennial review in spring 2025.

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 Wisconsin

  1. Read your current order

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

  2. Compare with the rule

    Wisconsin's rule: Only a court can change an order. The child support agency will review an order if a parent asks and it has not been reviewed in 3 years.

  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 Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Child Support (1-800-991-5530) · Apply online

Free help in Wisconsin

Questions about changing support in Wisconsin

What counts as a reason to change support in Wisconsin?

Only a court can change an order. The child support agency will review an order if a parent asks and it has not been reviewed in 3 years. Sooner, there must be a substantial change in circumstances, such as a pay change that would move support by more than $50 a month or a change in the child's placement. A change may be made if the order does not follow the percentage standard, lacks medical support, or would change by $50 or more a month. Reviews are not done if the paying parent voluntarily reduced income.

Where do I file to change support in Wisconsin?

Ask your local child support agency for a free review (up to 180 days); if both parents agree, file a Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment (no filing fee); or file your own motion to modify with the County Clerk of Court ($30 filing fee if it needs a court date).

Keep reading about Wisconsin

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources