The court sets child support obligations based on family circumstances and information from both parents. Child support orders can be changed or modified only by a court order or by cost-of-living adjustments. You may be eligible to have your order modified if your income, expenses, child care, medical coverage or other circumstances change.
For more information on changing your court order or child support laws, go to the
Minnesota Department of Human Services' Child Support website.
Requesting a change
Either parent can request changes to the amount of support due. If you think your court order should be changed, use the Child Support Guidelines Calculator to estimate the payment before requesting a review. You may also contact your child support worker to discuss review options.
Either parent has these options if interested in changing their court order:
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Request a review: If you are receiving child support services and have a change in circumstances, you can contact your child support worker to request a review, or you can visit
Child Support ezDocs. If you are receiving child support services through Dakota County, you can call 651-554-5611.
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Bring your own motion: There are forms and instructions on the Minnesota Court website. Court Administrator Offices or libraries may also have the forms. You may wish to contact a private attorney.
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Reach an agreement: If you and the other parent agree to a change in the order, the county may be able to help. Contact your child support worker for more information. If you are receiving child support services through Dakota County, you can call 651-554-5611.
Cost-of-living adjustments
Most Minnesota child support orders include an automatic adjustment to the amount of support every two years based on the cost of living. For more information about cost-of-living adjustments go to the
Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Support website.
If you receive a notice that your basic support obligation is going to change due to a cost-of-living adjustment, you can:
- Do nothing if you agree to the adjustment. The adjusted amount due becomes effective on May 1.
- Contest the adjustment by filing a motion.
- Reach an agreement. Agreements can be made before or after a motion to contest the adjustment is served. If you receive services through Dakota County and all parties agree that no cost-of-living adjustment or a partial cost-of-living adjustment should be made, contact your child support worker. If you are receiving child support services through Dakota County, you can call 651-554-5611.
Forms and instructions
Forms and instructions are available from: