Metairie Child Custody And Support Modification Lawyers
Last updated on April 22, 2026
Inevitably, every family grows and changes over time. This means that no matter how carefully you have worked out the details for spousal support, child support or child custody, your arrangement will eventually need to be updated based on the changing needs of you and your family.
At Salley & Salley, LLC, our attorneys are committed to helping you update a support or custody plan to meet your changing needs. We have over 50 years of combined experience in family law, and that experience helps us anticipate our clients’ needs so that you can navigate the legal system effectively.
Adapt To Changing Circumstances
There are many reasons why a modification of your current judgment may be requested. If you are paying or receiving child support or spousal support, and your income has increased or decreased or your financial status has changed, you may wish to request a modification of the support order.
Additionally, if there has been a change in circumstances involving the custody or visitation of your minor child, you may also want to request a modification of your current judgment. If your current judgment does not specifically state exact due dates for support, exchange times of the minor children, and/or holiday and vacation time with the minor children, you may want to have your judgment modified to include these specifics.
When Can I Modify A Child Custody Order In Louisiana?
Louisiana courts permit custody order modifications when meaningful changes affect a child’s well‑being or make the current order impractical. Parents often seek adjustments when the arrangement no longer reflects the child’s needs or when circumstances shift in a significant way. Any request must be supported with clear facts that demonstrate why the proposed change is necessary.
A modification may be appropriate when a parent’s work schedule shifts, when a child develops new medical or educational needs or when a parent relocates in a way that disrupts the existing plan. Safety concerns, instability or exposure to harmful behavior can also justify revisiting the custody order. Parents should document the issues carefully to show how the proposed change will support the child’s stability.
Courts evaluate whether the change is substantial enough to warrant altering an established arrangement and whether it better serves the child.
What Circumstances Allow For A Child Support Or Spousal Support Modification In Louisiana?
Support orders may be modified when a parent or former spouse experiences a significant shift in financial or personal circumstances. These changes must be meaningful enough to affect the fairness or feasibility of the existing order.
Here are some specific events that often lead parents to seek a modification:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Increase in income
- Health problems that affect earning ability
- Changes in a child’s needs
- Remarriage or cohabitation
- Relocation that alters expenses or parenting time
These events must be documented and clearly connected to the need for a revised order so the court has a solid basis for evaluating the request.
What Constitutes A “Material Change” In Louisiana?
A material change is a significant shift in circumstances that directly affects the child or the financial obligations outlined in a custody or support order. Louisiana law requires that the change be substantial, ongoing and relevant to the issues the court previously considered. Minor inconveniences or temporary fluctuations typically do not meet this standard.
In custody matters, a material change may involve safety concerns, major lifestyle adjustments or developments that affect the child’s stability. For support, it may involve lasting financial changes or new needs that alter the fairness of the existing order.
Demonstrating a material change is essential. The court will not modify an order without evidence that the current arrangement no longer reflects the actual circumstances.
Learn More About Modifications At A Consultation
For any reason that you believe your judgment should be modified, our experienced family law attorneys are here to discuss your case with you and give you the legal advice you need. Contact us today at 504-323-7114 or via email to arrange for your confidential consultation.
Sandra Salley and Laurel Salley have each been separately recognized for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list as top attorneys in Louisiana. Our firm has also received an A+ rating from the Greater New Orleans Area Better Business Bureau.