Which of the following is a ground for modifying a child support order?

• A. Change in gross income by 15% or more since order
• B. The child turns 18
• C. The payor obtains a higher paying job with no change in circumstances
• D. Retroactive modification is allowed

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a child support order can be modified only when there’s a material change in circumstances since the order was entered. A 15% or more change in either parent’s gross income is a recognized material change that can justify adjusting the support amount to reflect the new financial reality.

Turning 18 by itself doesn’t automatically end support in New York, which generally continues until age 21 or until emancipation, so aging out isn’t by itself a grounds for modification. A higher paying job with no change in circumstances would not justify modification, and (as a rule) modifications aren’t retroactive; they apply going forward from the filing date or the order’s modification date. Therefore, the 15% income change is the valid ground for modification.