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 Missouri, child support orders can be modified if there is a demonstration of a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was issued. This could include significant changes in the income of either parent, the needs of the child, or the custody arrangement. For instance, if the noncustodial parent, who was previously paying child support, becomes the custodial parent, this change in custody could lead to a modification or termination of the child support obligation. Additionally, Missouri law also allows for a review of child support orders every three years, at which point either parent can request a modification without showing a change in circumstances. To initiate a modification, a parent must file a motion to modify with the court, and the court will evaluate if the changes are sufficient to warrant an adjustment to the child support order.