Modify an Existing Support Order

Calculating Your Monthly Child Support Obligation

A support order modification is similar to the process used when your child support order was established. The child support guidelines OAR 137-050-0700 through 137-050-0765 (PDF) » must be used to determine the new amount, which may be different than the current order. Use the  Child Support Guidelines Calculator

If either parent lives outside of Oregon, federal law provides guidance to determine which state is responsible for modifying a child support order. See Interstate Cases for more information.

Reviewing Your Support Terms

You may ask us to review the child or medical support terms of your order if it has been at least 35 months since the date the order was entered or reviewed. You can also show proof there has been a significant change of circumstance since support was last calculated. Examples of significant changes are:

  • Physical custody of the child has changed
  • Needs of the child have changed (changes in child care costs, health care coverage, etc.)
  • Number of children involved has changed
  • Income of one or both parents has changed
  • A child included in the order is in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority

Steps to Modifying a Current Order for Child Support

The timeline below shows the length of a typical modification process through the Oregon Child Support Program. A modification usually takes between 90-120 days, but may be longer or resolved sooner, depending on your family’s situation. If you have questions about the modification process, please send us a message through your online account, or contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or your case manager.

  1. A parent submits a written request to modify a child support order.

    • Go to the Forms page to obtain a Request for Review – Modification or Termination Packet.

  2. The Oregon Child Support Program reviews the request and sends notice to the other parent.

    We will confirm participants’ contact and financial information and create a proposed modification to the child support order. This process usually takes about 30 days.

  3. The Oregon Child Support Program serves the proposed modification.

    Once a proposed order is created, the parents and any other participants will receive copies. The time for this step varies because it may take repeated attempts to serve the proposed modification. Assuming there are no issues completing service, the usual timeframe is 30–90 days.

  4. Parents may correct information, request a hearing, or consent to the terms.

      • If both parents agree in writing with the proposed order, the order is finalized immediately.
      • If neither parent contacts the Oregon Child Support Program within 30 days, the proposed order will be finalized no sooner than 34 days after it was served.
      • If we receive information that corrections are necessary, there may be an additional 30 days for either parent to take an action after the proposed order is amended.
      • If a hearing is requested, there are additional steps to take. Please see the Administrative Hearings Process page for more information.
    • The effective date of a modified child support order is the first of the month following the date the last non-requesting party was served with the proposed order, and the first of the month thereafter.

Both parents may consent to the modification. If either parent does not agree on the amount of support payments, a hearing may be requested. During the hearing, an administrative law judge will determine the appropriate amount for support payments. Learn more about the administrative hearing process.

For more information, see Child Support Timelines, send us a message through your online account, contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or contact your local child support office.