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HomeGuidesLawFamily lawChild support

Increase of child support: when and how

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Child support calculator for a child — estimated amount

Table of contents

  • What child support is and when it applies
  • When you can request an increase
  • The claim for an increase — what to include
  • Evidence checklist
  • How the court assesses the request
  • The child’s needs
  • The obligor’s earning capacity
  • Other circumstances
  • Examples of changes that often justify an increase
  • Temporary vs lasting changes
  • If income is hard to prove
  • How to calculate the requested amount
  • From when the increased amount applies
  • When courts refuse an increase
  • Defense against an increase
  • Common mistakes
  • Mediation and settlement
  • Quick checklist
  • Child support calculator
  • Sources
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

An increase in child support is possible when there is a material change in circumstances (Art. 138 KRO). The change must be real and lasting, not temporary.

If you are filing for support for the first time, see: Child support petition: how to file step by step. If you need a reduction, see: Reduction or termination of child support.

What child support is and when it applies

Child support covers the maintenance and development of the child. The duty arises when the child cannot support themselves or their needs are not met by the other parent.

When you can request an increase

Typical situations include:

  • higher child‑related costs (school, medical treatment, activities),
  • worse financial situation of the parent who covers daily expenses,
  • higher earning capacity of the obliged parent,
  • changes in care or contact arrangements.

The key is proving that the change is significant and affects needs or capacity.

The claim for an increase — what to include

In the claim, specify:

  • the amount requested and from when,
  • which needs have increased and why,
  • the current cost breakdown,
  • information about the other parent’s income and capacity,
  • evidence for the costs.

A simple “before and after” cost comparison helps demonstrate the scale of change.

Evidence checklist

Useful documents often include:

  • updated cost breakdown with monthly totals,
  • receipts and invoices for education, health or housing,
  • school or medical certificates,
  • income evidence for both parents,
  • information about changes in care arrangements.

How the court assesses the request

The court looks at two main groups of factors.

The child’s needs

Real and justified costs: housing, food, education, health, transport, activities. Costs must be reasonable and documented.

The obligor’s earning capacity

Not only current income, but earning potential, qualifications and assets. Irregular income can also be considered.

Other circumstances

The court considers the other parent’s care contribution, other support obligations and the real division of costs.

Examples of changes that often justify an increase

  • the child starts school or university and costs rise,
  • new health‑related expenses appear,
  • the obliged parent’s income increases substantially,
  • the daily‑care parent’s financial situation worsens.

Temporary vs lasting changes

Courts focus on durable changes. One‑off expenses or short‑term income drops are usually not enough. If costs are temporary, it is better to document them clearly and explain why they should still influence the amount.

If income is hard to prove

When the other parent works irregularly or has business income, courts can look at lifestyle indicators, assets and earning potential. Provide any credible information that shows real capacity rather than only declared income.

How to calculate the requested amount

Start from the updated monthly cost breakdown, subtract the child’s own income or benefits, and then compare each parent’s share based on capacity and care. This makes the request transparent and defensible. Even a simple table can be persuasive if it is consistent.

From when the increased amount applies

Usually from the date the claim is filed, unless the court sets another date. Do not delay if costs have materially increased.

For detailed criteria, see: Child support amounts: criteria and rules.

When courts refuse an increase

Typical reasons include:

  • no proven material change,
  • undocumented or inflated costs,
  • no proof of the other parent’s capacity,
  • a request disproportionate to needs.

Defense against an increase

The obliged parent can argue, for example:

  • no material change,
  • inflated costs,
  • health or work limitations,
  • increased participation in care and expenses.

Common mistakes

  • missing updated cost breakdown,
  • relying on general statements without receipts,
  • ignoring the other parent’s actual capacity,
  • requesting an amount unrelated to real costs.

Mediation and settlement

If both sides can agree on an updated cost breakdown, mediation may lead to a settlement approved by the court. This often saves time and reduces conflict.

Quick checklist

  • updated monthly cost breakdown,
  • evidence of new or higher expenses,
  • proof of the other parent’s capacity,
  • clear requested amount and start date,
  • “before vs after” comparison.

If possible, attach a short narrative that links the increase to concrete events (e.g., new school fees or medical treatment). This helps the court see why the change is material. Clear dates and amounts make the change easier to verify. Attach the most recent documents first. Consistency matters. Keep the narrative readable.

Child support calculator

You can use the child support calculator as a reference point, but it is not binding and should be compared with real costs and evidence.

Sources

  • Family and Guardianship Code (ISAP)
  • Code of Civil Procedure (ISAP)
  • Ministry of Justice - official information

Try it in practice

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  • Child support calculator for a child — estimated amount

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Kiedy można wnioskować o podwyższenie alimentów?+
Gdy nastąpi istotna zmiana okoliczności, np. wzrost potrzeb dziecka lub spadek realnych możliwości rodzica zobowiązanego.
Od kiedy obowiązuje podwyższona kwota?+
Zwykle od dnia wniesienia pozwu o podwyższenie, chyba że sąd wskaże inny termin.
Kiedy sąd odmawia podwyższenia?+
Gdy zmiana okoliczności nie została wykazana lub żądanie jest nieadekwatne do potrzeb i możliwości stron.

Related calculators

  • Child support calculator for a child — estimated amount

Related guides

  • Child support amounts: criteria and rules
  • Reduction or termination of child support
  • Retroactive child support and back payments
  • Child support petition: how to file step by step
  • Child support case: procedure
  • Until when is child support paid?

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Choose a law firm for your case

Compare firms by specialization, city, and ratings. You contact the selected firm directly.

Kancelaria Alfa

Warszawa5.0 (1 review)

Sprawy rodzinne i cywilne: rozwod, alimenty, podzial majatku, reprezentacja w sadzie.

Practice areasFamily lawCivil law
AddressRegulska 40

Lex Biz Kancelaria

Krakow5.0 (1 review)

Obsluga JDG i spolek: umowy, podatki, kontrole, sprawy pracownicze.

Practice areasLabor lawTax law

Nieruchomosci Partner

Gdansk5.0 (1 review)

Zakup i sprzedaz nieruchomosci, umowy deweloperskie, najem, spory o nieruchomosci.

Practice areasCivil lawReal estate law

Tax Guard

Poznan5.0 (1 review)

Doradztwo podatkowe i legal support dla biznesu: VAT, CIT, kontrole, umowy B2B.

Practice areasTax lawBusiness law

Civil Pro

Lodz5.0 (1 review)

Spory cywilne, dochodzenie roszczen, umowy i sprawy mieszkaniowe.

Practice areasCivil lawReal estate law

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