When Can You Modify a Court Order in Oregon or Washington?

Life changes—sometimes dramatically—after a divorce or custody order is entered. If your existing agreement or judgment no longer fits your family’s situation, a modification may be possible. This post outlines the general rules for seeking changes to parenting plans, child support, or spousal support in Oregon and Washington.

Parenting Plan Modifications

Parenting time arrangements (sometimes called visitation schedules) can be modified if a substantial change in circumstances has occurred and the proposed change is in the child’s best interest.

Common reasons for modification include:

• A parent relocating
• A change in the child’s needs or school
• Ongoing co-parenting challenges
• Changes in a parent's availability or health

In many cases, parents agree to adjustments out of court—but formal changes still need to be approved by a judge to be enforceable.

Child Support Adjustments

Either parent can ask the court to review and adjust child support if there’s a significant change in:

• Income for either parent
• Childcare or medical costs
• Parenting time distribution
• The child’s specific needs

In Oregon, the Child Support Program also offers an administrative review process, which can sometimes be faster than filing through the courts.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support may also be modified—but only if the original court order allows it. Permanent or non-modifiable support, often negotiated in settlement agreements, typically cannot be changed.

Where modification is allowed, courts will consider:

• A material change in income or employment
• Retirement or disability
• Significant changes in need or cost of living

Each case is fact-specific, and it’s wise to consult legal counsel before pursuing a change.

Learn More

For details about how our team handles post-judgment matters, visit our Modifications service page.