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Child Support, Custody, & Alimony Modification

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

Child Support, Custody, & Alimony Modification Lawyers Serving New York & New Jersey

Family Lawyers for Modification of Divorce Orders

Alimony & child support agreements in divorce settlements are based on a static picture that reflects the parties’ circumstances at the time of the divorce. Leveraging nearly 40 years of experience, Paul Goldhamer and the family law attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. know that those circumstances often change, rendering the settlements unworkable.

We have helped clients in New York and New Jersey change their settlement agreements when circumstances call for an alimony or child support modification. We have also helped spouses to enforce existing alimony and support decrees where opposing parties are failing to fulfill their court-ordered obligations.

Child Support Modification

In general, changes in income or residency status will form the basis of most modifications of divorce decrees. In other cases, one partner’s failure to abide by the terms of a divorce decree can catalyze a modification.

Some of the more specific modifications might include:

A child support modification premised on a promotion or job loss that dramatically changes a divorced partner’s income;
A child custody modification following a parent’s relocation outside of New York or New Jersey;
Alimony modifications to accommodate new or unexpected medical treatments;
Post-divorce modifications to enable stronger enforcement of spousal support or child visitation rights;

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. are here to answer common post-divorce modification questions as they relate to New York and New Jersey residents.

How do I file for a child support modification?

In some cases, a spouse might elect to appeal a divorce court’s order and decree to an appellate court. If that is not the case and one spouse seeks to have a divorce decree modified after the time for an appeal has lapsed, in both New York and New Jersey, that spouse or the spouse’s attorney will file a Motion to Modify a divorce judgment directly in the divorce court that issued the original decree. The Motion will recite the factual basis for the modification request and the specific amount of the child support that the spouse seeks to modify.

What if I am relocating outside of New York or New Jersey?

Child custody is governed by what the court determines to be the best interests of the child. Different states apply this standard differently, but most consider whether one parent has expressly consented to a relocation and whether notice of the relocation has been given. Courts will also consider how far the relocation might take the child and whether the relocating spouse has a good-faith reason for moving.

Can I petition to reduce my alimony payments?

Modifications that lead to alimony reductions or increases will be closely scrutinized to determine if the basis for the modification is legitimate. Spouses who are ordered to pay alimony should keep detailed records of income and expenses if they anticipate seeking to reduce alimony obligations, or if the other spouse is expected to seek an increase.

Do Bergen County, NJ courts treat modifications differently from NY courts?

In theory, each court is obligated to apply its state’s laws fairly and without bias toward either party. The differences in each state’s laws are largely procedural. For example, New York law establishes a 12-month waiting period before a divorce decree becomes final, whereas in New Jersey it is final almost immediately. Your attorney can provide more detailed information on the differences as they might apply to your situation.

How easy is the modification of custody in Rockland County, NY?

Again, courts will consider all requests to modify custody arrangements in light of the child’s best interests. If objective facts indicate that the parent who was awarded custody is not caring for the child’s best interests, as perceived by the court, custody may be transferred to the other parent. Custody challenges, however, might be viewed as detrimental to the child’s best interests. Consult with an attorney before making any motions for a child custody modification.

Assistance with Post-Divorce Decree Modifications

Whether you live in New York and are seeking to file for divorce or modify an existing divorce order, or if you reside in New Jersey and have questions about child support or custody, or alimony modifications in your divorce proceedings, KGG’s experienced team of family law attorneys is ready and available to help you at every stage of the process.

We represent clients in Bergen County, NJ, and Rockland County, NY, and take pride in providing sound guidance for all of our valued clients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Why Trust Us?

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 130 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 137 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 140 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.