Modifying Child Support After Job Loss, Disability or Incarceration in Wyoming
Wyoming child support does not drop on its own after a job loss or while you are in jail. File and serve a petition: temporary income changes likely will not qualify, and changes are not retroactive.
Can you lower child support after a job loss in Wyoming?
Yes, by petition, if the loss is a substantial change of circumstances, which can be raised at any time (Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311(a)). The state judicial branch warns that temporary changes in income likely will not qualify, so show how long the change will last (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
What if I change jobs or go back to school?
The court may decide whether the school or career change will leave the child better off in the long run; if not, it may not approve a change in support (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 20-2-307(b)(xi), 20-2-309).
What should I tell my caseworker?
If you or your children receive public benefits, tell your DFS caseworker or the child support office, because setting or changing support may affect your benefits (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
What counts as voluntary unemployment in Wyoming?
A parent not working by choice, sometimes to avoid support, or working for less by choice; the court looks at work history, training, education and local job opportunities (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 20-2-307(b)(xi)). It may also decline to approve a career change or school plan that does not help the child in the long run.
What happens to Wyoming support if I am in jail or prison?
The order continues while a parent is in jail or prison unless a court changes it. Changes are not automatic and do not reach back to the date your income changed, so contact the child support office or the court right away (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 20-2-311(d)). Federal rules say incarceration should not be treated as voluntary unemployment (45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)).
Does starting public benefits matter in Wyoming?
Yes. The commencement of POWER aid, Medicaid medical benefits, SNAP or SSI is a substantial change requiring modification (20-2-311(a)), and if you or your children receive benefits you must tell your caseworker or the child support office.
What if the other parent is in the military?
Military parents must pay court-ordered support wherever stationed, and a civilian court usually bases support on basic pay for the parent’s rank (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Can I stop paying in Wyoming because visitation is denied?
No. You must keep paying even if you are denied visitation; you can ask a judge to enforce the schedule (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
What proof helps?
| Situation | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Job loss | Termination notice, last pay stubs, unemployment award, job-search record |
| Disability | Medical records and any benefits award |
| Incarceration | The sentence, custody record and release date |
| Reduced hours | Pay stubs before and after the change |
What should you do first?
- File the petition and serve it now.
- Keep paying what you can: each missed installment becomes a judgment with a 10% late penalty (see how Wyoming penalties work).
- Check your numbers in the Wyoming child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wyoming child support drop automatically after a job loss?
No. You must petition, and only support after service can change.
Does a temporary Wyoming income drop modify child support?
Probably not; temporary changes in income likely will not qualify.
Does a Wyoming jail sentence suspend child support?
No. The order continues unless a court changes it, and changes are not retroactive.
Can a Wyoming parent stop paying if visitation is denied?
No. Keep paying and ask the court to enforce visitation.
Does a job loss stop Wyoming income withholding?
No. Withholding continues until the order changes.
Official sources
- Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311: adjustment of child support orders
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: child support common questions
- Wyoming self-help packet: child support modification instructions
- 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9): no retroactive modification of support already due
- 45 CFR 302.56: federal guideline requirements
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Wyoming statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wyoming attorney.