Modifying an Order

Either parent may request that the Rhode Island Family Court modify the child support order. According to the law, the party requesting the modification, must show a substantial change in circumstances. Some examples of a substantial change in circumstances include: the loss of employment, a decrease in income earned, an increase in income earned, the emancipation of the youngest child, an increase in the needs of the child, or a change of custody. The Office of Child Support Services can assist either party in filing a motion to modify. Also there is a pro se packet available on this Web site if you would like to file the motion on your own. The Rhode Island Family Court will apply the guideline chart in effect to determine the new child support order.

Review and Adjustment

Either party or the State may file a motion for review and adjustment based upon the expiration of three years since the last child support order. Under the law the parties need not prove a substantial change in circumstances. Upon the expiration of three years the court will apply the guidelines and determine the new order. The Office of Child Support Services can assist either party in filing a motion for review and adjustment. The Office of Child Support Services can file a motion for review and adjustment in a FIP case at the state's request. The order may go up or down upon application to the court. There is a review and adjustment packet on this Web site if you would like to file this motion on your own.