Modifying Child Support

You can go to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to request a review. DCFS may ask the court to modify the existing child support order. All child support modifications go through the court process. DCFS can help you through the process if you have an existing or open child support case.

The fastest way to request a review of your child support amount is by clicking here: Request for Review.

You may also request a review in the following ways:

• Contact the DCFS Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to request a review.

• Send a message to your work through the CAFÉ Self Service Portal,  Child Support Enforcement Message Center; or

• Print, complete, and submit the “Request for Review” form along with documentation to the following: DCFS Document Processing Center / Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 260032 Baton Rouge, LA 70826

Next Steps To Process Your Request

To process your request, DCFS needs the following information within 30 days of your request:

• your income (including written proof of current wages and most recent federal income tax return)

• child care costs

• any other expenses for your child, which might include:

• health insurance,

• educational (for attending a private or special school),

• transportation expenses (out-of-town visitation), and

• medical expenses not covered by health insurance paid for the children in this case

Please label each document with your case number (Example: 123456-01), name and Last 4 of Social Security Number or your DOB and mail to us at: 

DCFS Document Processing Center / Child Support Enforcement

P.O. Box 260032 

Baton Rouge, LA 70826

NOTE: Do not send original documents. 

In Louisiana, either parent can file a request from the Court to change child support. In Louisiana, you must request child support modifications through the court system. If you do not have an existing or open case with DCFS then you may need to file a petition with the court on your own. The petition should include the reasons why the change is being requested.

The court may grant a temporary or permanent modification of child support. A temporary modification may get used to account for a one-time cost for the needs of a child. This might be for situations such as the child getting braces or school uniforms. A permanent modification considers substantial changes in the needs of the child. For example, a child may become disabled with special needs and the costs of raising the child may change.

Generally, a modification of child support requires a formal court hearing. The court sets a hearing date and all parties may have an opportunity to speak and present evidence. The court will then issue a new order based on the evidence and the argument presented.

If the court grants the petition, the new child support order will replace the existing order. It is important to note that the court cannot retroactively modify a child support order. This means that any changes to the order will only apply to payments made after the court issues the new order. Once the new order is issued, both parties must abide by its terms.