Child Support

If your case is being handled by the Child Support Services Division, every three years either parent can request that the Child Support Services Division schedule a hearing to have the child support order reviewed and changed. Both parents will be asked to provide evidence of their current income, childcare expenses, medical expenses, and insurance costs. The Child Support Services Division will calculate the child support amount under the guidelines. If the amount is different from the original order by 15% or more, the Division or either parent can file a motion to modify the child support order.¹

A parent also has the option to file a motion to modify the child support order any time there has been a substantial and material change of circumstances. This motion can be filed even if three years has not passed. A change in circumstances could include things like a change in the parent’s ability to pay support or the financial needs of the child have changed.²

¹ D.C. Code § 16–916.01(r)(2); D.C. Child Support Services Division website
² D.C. Code § 16–916.01(r)(8); D.C. Child Support Services Division website