Child support generally may be changed or modified by filing a motion to modify and demonstrating to the court that the circumstances of the child or one or both parents have materially and substantially changed, or that some period of time (3 years, for example) has passed since the court’s last child support order. And if there has been a material and substantial change in the custody of the child—if, for example, the noncustodial parent who was paying child support has become the custodial parent—the court may change or eliminate the child support obligation based on the change in the custody arrangement.

In California, child support orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the last order was made. This could include changes in the income of either parent, the needs of the child, or the amount of time the child spends with each parent. To modify child support, a parent must file a motion with the court that issued the original order, explaining the reasons for the requested change. If it has been more than three years since the last child support order was issued or reviewed, or if there has been a change in custody, this may also be grounds for modification. Specifically, if the noncustodial parent becomes the custodial parent, they can seek to have the child support order changed or possibly terminated to reflect the new custody arrangement. The court will consider all relevant factors and decide whether to modify the child support order based on the best interests of the child and the current circumstances of both parents.