Moving Out of State: What Changes and What Doesn’t

A move can improve work or family support—but it doesn’t erase child support obligations. Interstate rules exist so orders remain enforceable across borders. Here’s what truly changes when you move, and what doesn’t.

Continuing Exclusive Jurisdiction (CEJ). Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), the state that issued your support order usually keeps CEJ to modify it as long as one parent or the child still lives there, unless everyone agrees in writing to move the case. That means a move to another state does not automatically let you change the order in the new state. To modify elsewhere, you typically need to register the order and meet UIFSA’s conditions (e.g., neither party nor the child lives in the issuing state, or both consent).

Registering the order. To enforce in your new state, you can register the existing order there. Registration allows local wage withholding, liens, and other enforcement tools. It does not change the amount; it mirrors the original order. File certified copies of the order and arrears statement. Keep names, SSNs, and addresses accurate to avoid mis‑matches in new‑hire and payroll databases.

Wage withholding follows you. When you start a new job, tell the issuing agency immediately. They’ll send an Income Withholding Order (IWO) to your new employer. Until the first deduction appears, make portal payments to avoid gaps. Withholding limits and employer compliance rules follow the law of the state where the employer is located, but the support amount and duration usually follow the issuing state’s law.

What can change. Major life changes—income shifts, parenting time changes, new childcare or health premiums—can justify a modification, but you must file in the proper court. If CEJ remains in the original state, file there or stipulate to transfer. If everyone has left the issuing state, you can often modify in the child’s home state after registering the order.

What doesn’t change. The duration of support (age of majority/emancipation rules) and vested arrears are generally governed by the issuing state’s law. Moving to a state with a different age rule won’t shorten (or lengthen) an existing order. Interest on arrears also usually follows the issuing state’s statute.

Parenting time and travel. Long‑distance schedules and travel costs may need revision. File a custody/parenting motion in the proper court (often the child’s home state) and coordinate the support modification so travel costs and overnights are reflected. Don’t unilaterally reduce support because of travel; get an order that aligns both schedules and money.

Practical checklist. (1) Notify the agency and SDU of your new address and employer within 3 days; (2) ask for your current arrears “as of” date; (3) register the order in your new state if you need local enforcement tools; (4) if seeking modification, confirm CEJ and file in the correct court; (5) keep paying through official channels during the transition; (6) update healthcare and childcare information with proof.

Bottom line. Moves change logistics, not obligations. Support amounts travel with you until a court changes them. Use registration and proper filings to keep payments smooth and orders aligned with your new reality.