Under what circumstance can spousal support be modified?

Spousal support can indeed be modified with a significant and continuing change in circumstances. In family law, the purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning or non-working spouse post-separation or divorce. Since both parties may experience changes in income, employment situations, health, or living conditions after the original support order is established, the law provides a mechanism to seek modifications based on those changed circumstances.

For a modification to be granted, it is typically necessary to demonstrate that the change is substantial and ongoing—this means that one party can no longer meet the original financial obligations or that the recipient's financial situation has improved significantly, warranting a decrease or cessation of support. Instances such as job loss, a substantial unintended raise in income, or significant life changes can all contribute to this reevaluation of the spousal support arrangement. This framework ensures that spousal support remains fair and appropriate based on the current realities of both parties' situations.