[CA] I have a change in circumstance for childcare costs. Should I reschedule the upcoming hearing?
October 25, 2025
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Since your hearing is still over a month away, you should be fine to simply amend your existing documents or claim to include the updated childcare cost. There’s no need to cancel and reset the hearing.
The other side will still have plenty of time (about 45 days) to prepare and respond to the updated amount, so the court will not see this as unfair or prejudicial.
You can use the same forms you filed originally, just update them with the new information and label them “Amended [Form Name]” — for example, “Amended Request for Order” or “Amended Income and Expense Declaration.”
There’s no separate or special “amendment form” in California for this situation.
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I already have a hearing date set with the court for child support in California. I have a change in circumstance for childcare costs. Should I refile and request another hearing?
I understand your situation. Have you already informed the other party involved about the change in childcare costs?
No.
How significant is the change in childcare costs, and how does it impact the current child support arrangement?
It’s $780 of a difference.
Is that over what period of time?
One month — the childcare cost is $780/month, or $195/week.
And when is the hearing set for?
July 15.
Hello! I’m delighted that you’ve chosen to contact us for assistance. My name is Jon, and I’m here to assist you as an attorney.
I understand that dealing with legal issues can be stressful and confusing — but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through this clearly.
Since your hearing is still over a month away, you should be fine to simply amend your existing documents or claim to include the updated childcare cost. There’s no need to cancel and reset the hearing.
The other side will still have plenty of time (about 45 days) to prepare and respond to the updated amount, so the court will not see this as unfair or prejudicial.
You can use the same forms you filed originally, just update them with the new information and label them “Amended [Form Name]” — for example, “Amended Request for Order” or “Amended Income and Expense Declaration.”
There’s no separate or special “amendment form” in California for this situation.
If I need to subpoena information, how do I file that? I won’t do it now, but I’m curious how.
Good question! In California, you use subpoena forms to request documents or testimony. The main ones are:
- SUBP-001: Civil Subpoena for Personal Appearance and Production of Documents
- SUBP-002: Deposition Subpoena for Production of Business Records
You can find them and detailed instructions here:
- California Courts – Self-Help: Subpoenas
- Find California Court Forms (search for “SUBP”)
You’ll serve the subpoena on the person or business with the records, and you don’t need prior judicial approval — just follow service and notice requirements.
Thank you.
