You can seek to change the amount of child support ordered by a court if you think it is incorrect. For example, the income of either parent may have changed, you may have lost your job or become disabled, or you may become incarcerated and unable to pay.

There are two ways you can try to change a child support order. Once every three years, either parent has the right to request the child support enforcement office to conduct a review of the child support order for possible modification. If you make your request for a review and modification, you should put your request in writing and be careful to keep a copy for yourself as proof that you made the request. You should explain why you are requesting the review, sign and date it, and include your child support case number and other identifying information on the request.

Either parent can also, at any time, file a motion to modify an existing child support order. You should file the motion in the court which issued the child support order. The pro se family office can often provide forms and limited help to people filing court documents without a lawyer.*

To be successful in getting a child support order changed, you must show that a "material change in circumstances" has occurred since the most recent order was signed. Examples of changes can include such things as losing your job, having your income reduced, becoming disabled, and becoming incarcerated.

*In Baltimore City, motions can be filed in the paternity division or family division of the clerk’s office. You may need to check both offices.

• Clerk’s office, paternity division, Mitchell Courthouse, Room 441, 410/333-3738
  
• Clerk’s office, family division, Courthouse East, Room 462, 410/333-3711
  
• Pro se office, Courthouse East, Room 232, 410/396-6925
  

Source: Legal Aid Bureau

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