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 Illinois, child support orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the last order was issued. This could include changes in the income of either parent, the needs of the child, or the living arrangements of the child. For instance, if the noncustodial parent who was paying child support becomes the custodial parent, this would constitute a substantial change in circumstances that could lead to a modification or termination of the child support obligation. Additionally, Illinois law allows for a review of child support orders every three years, at which time the support amount can be adjusted to reflect current circumstances. To modify child support, a parent must file a motion to modify with the court, and the court must be convinced that the changes are material and substantial enough to warrant an adjustment of the support order.