Change an Existing Connecticut Family Court Order

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A Connecticut family court order is not permanent, but changing one is its own filing in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Division, normally inside the case that produced the original order.

Courts generally want to see that something real has changed since the last order, not simply that you have changed your mind. For support, an updated financial affidavit almost always rides along with the request. The official documents below are what Connecticut publishes for this.

Official Connecticut modification resources

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Connecticut family law forms (official index) (Connecticut judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Connecticut family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms

Connecticut financial affidavit and disclosure forms (jud.ct.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Connecticut family cases ask both sides to complete. https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/

Connecticut child support guideline resources (jud.ct.gov): Official Connecticut child support guideline materials, worksheets, or calculators. https://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/childsupport.htm

Connecticut court self-help resources (Connecticut courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Connecticut family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.jud.ct.gov/selfhelp.htm

Connecticut Judicial Branch E-Services (CT Judicial Branch): E-filing is required for lawyers and optional for people representing themselves. You enroll in E-Services for free, then request electronic access to your case so you can file and view documents online. https://efile.eservices.jud.ct.gov/

Verified official Connecticut modification documents

These official documents are used to ask a Connecticut court to change an order that already exists.

Motion for Modification (JD-FM-174), form JD-FM-174 (Modification), official document: https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/FM174.pdf

Official link data for Connecticut was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Do I start a new case to change my order?

Usually not. A modification is normally filed inside the existing case, and the other parent has to be served with it. Check the official Connecticut instructions above for how this state handles it.

What counts as enough of a change?

Courts look for a real, lasting change in circumstances, such as a significant income change, a move, or a serious change in the child's needs. The judge decides whether your facts clear the bar.

How much does it cost to file a family case in Connecticut?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$360. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.