Can child support payments be changed after the court order is issued?

In Massachusetts, it is possible to modify a court order for child support payments after it has been issued. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines provide that if a parent wants to have their child support payments changed, they must demonstrate that there has been a material change in their financial circumstances. This material change must be substantial, permanent, and involuntary in order to be considered for adjustment. If the court is convinced that there has been a material change, then they can modify the order. The court can decide to raise or lower the payments, or to modify the time frame for which the payments would be in effect. The most common reasons for modifying child support orders are a change in the parents’ incomes, a change in the amount of time the child spends with each parent, or changes in the child’s needs or expenses. In some cases, child support orders can be changed without a court order. The parents may be able to reach an agreement on a modification, provided they both agree and submit this agreement in writing. If both parents agree to such a modification, it is important to have the agreement reviewed by a lawyer to protect both parties’ interests.

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Can child support payments be changed after the court order is issued?

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