Can child support be modified?

How the answer differs across 5 jurisdictions

The Short Answer

Yes, you can ask a court to modify your spousal support order if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting either party.

s. 17
Divorce Act section
Material change
Legal threshold
Court applicati
Required process
2023 SCC 13
Key case
AustraliaFull article
The Short Answer

Yes, you can apply to change your child support amount if your income has dropped significantly — the Child Support Agency (Services Australia) can reassess your assessment based on current income.

6 weeks
Processing time
12 months
Backdating limit
$0–$10k
Income change threshold
1 child
Minimum child count
US-CaliforniaFull article
The Short Answer

Yes, child support in California can be modified if there's a significant change in income or circumstances, and either parent can request a review.

30 days
Notice deadline
$1,000
Filing fee (2024)
6 months
Review window
100%
Income change threshold
US-New YorkFull article
The Short Answer

Yes, child support in New York can be modified if there's a substantial change in circumstances, such as a 15% income change or passage of 3 years since the order.

15% income chan
Trigger for review
3 years
Automatic review period
$500
Minimum change amount
18 years
Default age of emancipation
South KoreaFull article
The Short Answer

No, remarriage of a former spouse does not automatically terminate or alter their child support obligation under South Korean law.

No automatic en
Remarriage effect
Court order nee
Modification requirement
Indefinite term
Duration
Until age 20
Default termination age

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.