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Alaska Department of Revenue CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

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Frequently Asked Questions about Modifications

Table of Contents

1. What kind of order do you have?
2. Will the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) modify a child support order established by an Alaska court?
3. What has to change before the monthly support amount will be modified?
4. How do I ask for a modification of my Administrative Support Order?
5. Will the new order be effective back to when the change in income started?
6. Will CSSD help me modify my order, even if I do not have a case?
7. What if the other parent does not provide the information needed to determine if an order may be changed?
8. How long does it take to get an order changed?
9. What if my order was recently changed and there has now been a significant change in my income?
10. What Changes the circumstances?
11. Can I get my order changed if a mistake was made?
12. Who can ask for a change in a Child Support Order?

1. What kind of order do you have?

Administrative: Alaska administrative orders are completed by CSSD. If you have an administrative order, CSSD can review your modification request.

Court Order: these are done directly through the court. If you have a court order, only the court can modify the order.

2. Will the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) modify a child support order established by an Alaska court?

CSSD does not modify Alaska court orders. The court will determine if your court order should be modified. CSSD can help with the process by reviewing income statements provided and returning the calculation results back to the requesting party.

3. What has to change before the monthly support amount will be modified?

Every situation is unique, but some examples that could qualify for a change include:

  • Your income has changed (higher or lower) that will affect the current monthly charge by 15%
  • There is a new child of the relationship (add a child to the order)
  • No monthly support obligation listed in order (Judge's will rule that CSSD will calculate the monthly support)
  • Change order to allow for yearly visitation credit
  • Extend the support to charge while a child is 18, but still living with parent or guardian while pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Three year review-It has been more than three years since your income has been reviewed.
  • Medical coverage needs to be added
  • Physical custody change
  • Change of circumstance

4. How do I ask for a modification of my Administrative Support Order?

You can request a modification by calling, emailing or writing to CSSD. Include your federal income tax returns for the past two years, W-2's (annual wage statements you receive from your employer), pay stubs for the past three months, and proof of health insurance coverage.

5. Will the new order be effective back to when the change in income started?

No. State and federal laws do not allow support to be changed to cover timeframes that have already passed. The effective date will be the first day of the month after CSSD sends both parents notice of the scheduled modification. (Notice of Petition for Modification). Because of this, it is important to request a modification as soon as your income or custody changes.

6. Will CSSD help me modify my order, even if I do not have a case?

Yes. If you apply for full enforcement services we will help you modify your order. If the original order was issued by another state, the modification will take longer. CSSD is unable to modify a court orders.

7. What if the other parent does not provide the information needed to determine if an order may be changed?

If a parent refuses to provide income information to CSSD, we use the best information available to estimate the parent's income or potential income, and will base the modification on that estimate.

8. How long does it take to get an order changed?

If the original order was issued by CSSD, it can take up to six months. However, if all of the information is received on time, and, if neither parent appeals, the process can be completed much faster. If an Alaska court issued the original order you will need to contact the court.

9. What if my order was recently changed and there has now been a significant change in my income?

If your income and employment circumstances have changed and it is not considered temporary, we will require documentation along with your request to modify your support.

10. What Changes the circumstances?

  • Something prevents your from full-time annual employment or working in your normal occupation
  • Permanent or short-term disability
  • Loss of a professional license or certification
  • Conviction or incarceration
  • Relocation somewhere where your occupation pays lower wages.

11. Can I get my order changed if a mistake was made?

If CSSD established the administrative order we have a procedure to correct mistakes. If an Alaska court established the order you need to contact the court for a correction.

12. Who can ask for a change in a Child Support Order?

Either parent, the child's physical guardian and in some circumstances the State may also initiate a review.

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Mission:

To collect and disburse child support payments.

Vision Statement:

We strive to ensure children receive their support through cooperation and collaboration using innovation to drive our success with the communities, partners, and families we serve. 

Alaska Department of Revenue

CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

550 W 7th Ave, Suite 310
Anchorage AK 99501-6699
Phone: 907-269-6900
Fax: 907-787-3220

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Requests:
If you require an accommodation to access our services due to a disability, please contact our Anchorage Office.