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 New Jersey, child support orders can be modified if there is a demonstration of a significant change in circumstances for the child or either parent. This could include changes in income, employment, health, or the needs of the child. Additionally, New Jersey law presumes that a review of child support is warranted if three years have passed since the last order or modification. Furthermore, if there is a change in the custody arrangement, such as the noncustodial parent becoming the custodial parent, the court may alter or terminate the child support obligation to reflect this new situation. To initiate a modification, the parent must file a motion with the court, and the court will evaluate if the change in circumstances justifies a modification of the child support order.