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 Massachusetts, child support orders can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child or either parent since the last order was issued. This could include changes in income, employment, or the needs of the child. Additionally, if there has been a change in the custody arrangement, such as the noncustodial parent becoming the custodial parent, this could also be grounds for the court to modify or terminate the child support obligation. To initiate a modification, a parent must file a Complaint for Modification with the court that issued the original child support order. The standard for modification typically requires showing that the change in circumstances is significant and continuing, making the original order no longer appropriate. The court will then review the case and decide whether to adjust the child support payments. It's also worth noting that under Massachusetts law, a child support order is eligible for a review for possible modification every three years without the need to show a material and substantial change in circumstances.