Can a divorce settlement be changed after it’s finalized?

Certain terms may be changed after finalization, but it depends on the issue and the language in the divorce judgment or settlement agreement. Custody, parenting time, child support, and some support terms may be modified if New York law allows it. For child support, a party may seek modification after a substantial change in circumstances, after three years have passed since the order was entered or last modified, or after a change of fifteen percent or more in either party’s gross income, unless the parties specifically opted out of certain modification grounds in a validly executed agreement. A court must approve changes to a court order, and custody or parenting-time changes must reflect the best interests of the child.