Ask DCS to review your child support case for modification

The information here applies to both administrative orders and court orders of child support. 

You can use the procedures we describe here to ask for a change in the amount of child support. You can also use them to ask DCS to add orders about how the parents will provide for the children’s health insurance and medical expenses, if your order doesn’t already have these.  

How do I know if I have a court order or an administrative order? 

In Washington, a court order is a Child Support Order from a Superior Court. It will say this on the first page, towards the top.

An administrative order is a “Notice and Finding of Financial Responsibility”, a “Notice and Finding of Parental Responsibility” or an “Initial Decision and Order.” Here’s what the top of the first page (the caption) might look like:

If you’re getting services from DCS, or you get public benefits such as TANF or Medicaid (also called Apple Health), and the child support order you want modified was entered 35 months ago or more, DCS will review it. 

Even if it hasn’t been 35 months, you might still be able to get DCS to review your case for modification in certain situations:

• DCS will review your order if the order says it can be reviewed more often. Or
• You can still ask for review if there’s been a real change in the circumstances of a parent or the children.

Do I have rights with DCS for interpretation and translation services?

Yes. Read about interpreters for people with limited English proficiency learn more.

How will DCS decide whether to modify my child support order? 

Here are some of the things DCS considers when deciding to take your case for modification. This isn’t a complete list: 

• The amount of change DCS anticipates must be at least a 15% change up or down.
• There’s been a significant change of circumstances since the order was entered or last modified.
• You’re in jail or prison or the other parent is in jail or prison. 

Here are some examples of “significant change in circumstance:”

• You now have a permanent disability.
• You now get public assistance, such as SSI or TANF.
• You have new children you must also support.
• You’ve lost your job and you cannot find work at the same wage.

How do I ask DCS to review my case? 

You must fill out the appropriate form or forms, depending on whether your child support order is a court order or an administrative order, and return them to the DCS office. 

My case doesn’t meet DCS’ criteria. Can I try to modify the order on my own?

Yes.

• If your order is an administrative order, you can still object or ask for an administrative hearing. But it might be harder to make your case if it doesn’t meet DCS’ criteria.
• If your order is a court order from a Washington state court, you can file a Petition to Modify Child Support Order. But it might be harder to do on your own than to let DCS do it for you.