My Income Dropped. Can I Get the Amount I Agreed to Pay in Child Support Reduced?

Courts have a constitutional duty to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors. Child support should be sufficient to meet the child's needs according to each parent's financial capability to provide for the child. Child support may be established either by a written mutual agreement approved by the court, or as a result of a contested hearing. Either parent can institute a legal action seeking to modify child support based on a change of circumstance. 

If a parent's income has dropped, paying child support alongside other responsibilities can take a toll on you. The court can reduce the amount paid for child support in any of the following two ways:

1. Mutual Agreement

Both parties can discuss and decide on an equally agreed modification to the child support payment. The parents sign a stipulated agreement and submit it to the court to notify them of the newly agreed amount. The court then approves the modification if it is found to be fair and in the best interest of the child and the family.

2. Filing a Motion

If you have challenges paying child support due to a lowered income, file a motion in court to reduce the amount. The party seeking a reduction should prove the substantial change in circumstances.

A substantial change in income should be involuntary and in good faith. It can also be voluntary but in good faith, such as quitting a toxic work environment. Unintended change in income could be a layoff, imprisonment, disability, or deployment to active military service.

3. Court Review

After filing a motion in court, the party should present proof of their new income, expenses, and unemployment benefits in case of a layoff. If applicable, they should also show jail, prison, or disability status, current childcare expenses, and medical insurance. The current allocation agreement should be attached as well. 



The court reviews all the information provided to determine whether or not a reduction is viable. While reviewing the modification, the court ensures that the child's health coverage is not affected. If the order meets the requirements for a review, the court will determine the new child support amount based upon the evidence presented and the law of Illinois.