Request a Modification

At any time, either parent or the child’s legal guardian can ask for a change (called a “modification”) to increase or decrease the amount of court-ordered child support.  You can petition the court yourself or utilize Child Support Services (CSS) to review your case at no charge.  You must have a case with CSS for our assistance in completing a modification.  A case for you can be opened at any time.  Guidelines require CSS cases be reviewed every three years.  As a rule, a 20% increase or decrease is required for a change.       

You should request a modification if:

• You are laid off or fired from your job,
• You get a new or an additional job,
• Your income increases or decreases,
• A change in custody or visitation,
• A change in the size of your family,
• You become disabled,
• You go to jail or prison,
• You are deployed to active service.

You will need to provide proof of these changes.

First, a review of case details is conducted to verify balances, non-custodial parent's employment status, and other pertinent information.  Please keep in mind that the attorney presenting the case in court must be able to prove the non-custodial parent's ability to pay. If not, it is possible that the support payment may be lowered. If you feel your order needs a modification, you may request a review by contacting Maximus at 888.245.1938 or complete by using one of options below.  

• For faster service, complete this online modification form by clicking here.  The advantages of completing online includes faster service, tool tips, and the calculation of your financial information for you.            
• For a fillable modification form to send by email, complete the Affidavit of Income and Expenses and the Disclosure Statement on Legal Representation.  Sign, date, and email to ilcustomerserviceunit@maximus.com.

The Child Support Modification Mobile App is now available in the iTunes App Store and the Android Play Store. Key features of the app include the ability to:

• Monitor your modification status

• Request a call from a child support specialist

• Send and receive secure messages

For registration assistance or app support, please contact us at 1-888-245-1938.

• Either parent (or a guardian) can request a change (modification),
• To request a change, you must have an open case (a case can be opened at any time),
• Your child support order can go up or down based on information gathered during the review (the order may not be what you expected),
• There is no charge for making a modification request,
• The attorney for CSS does not represent either parent and only participates to assure the terms are equitable and fair to all parties. 
• Even if your request is denied by CSS, you can still go to court on your own to have a judge decide if your order can be changed. 

Important note:  When reviewing and changing the support amount, we cannot address visitation and custody issues. You may be advised to talk to a private attorney about these issues.